I never liked the atmosphere of Washington . I early saw that it was impossible to build up a race of which the leaders were spending most of their time, thought and energy in trying to get into office, or in trying to stay there after they were in.

In order to be successful in any undertaking, I think the main thing is for one to grow to the point where he completely forgets himself; that is, to lose himself in a great cause. In proportion as one loses himself in this way, in the same degree does he get the highest happiness out of his work.

Great men cultivate love...only little men cherish a spirit of hatred

No race that has anything to contribute to the markets of the world is long in any degree ostracized.

I would permit no man, no matter what his colour might be, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.

There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple and useful life.

I believe that my race will succeed in proportion as it learns to do a common thing in an uncommon manner; learns to do a thing so thoroughly that no one can improve upon what it has done; learns to make its services of indispensable value.