The wisest among my race understand that agitations of social equality is the extremist folly, and that progress in the enjoyment of all privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing.

Most leaders spend time trying to get others to think highly of them, when instead they should try to get their people to think more highly of themselves. It's wonderful when the people believe in their leader. It's more wonderful when the leader believes in their people! You can't hold a man down without staying down with him.

Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.

Do not do that which others can do as well.

My whole life has largely been one of surprises.

No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.

Whenever your life touches mine, you make me stronger of weaker... there is no escape... people drag others or lift others up.