Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.

It has been proved that the land can exist without the country - and be better for it; it has not been proved ... that the country can exist without the land.

You have to steal back yourself. You have to steal back your own mind. Meditation helps in that area.

I am not interested in being a role model, or in fulfilling the expectations of others. I know I am of most use to others and to myself by being this unique self: Nature, I have noticed, is not particularly devoted to copies, and human beings needn't be either.

There are those who believe Black people possess the secret of joy and that it is this that will sustain them through any spiritual or moral or physical devastation.

But I don't know how to fight. All I know how to do is stay alive.

Stretching [and] yoga [are] very helpful. All of these things - they really do help. Good food and a lot of sleep. And reading - reading good books. Sometimes movies - although a lot of the movies are difficult.