There is an indomitable quality within the human spirit that cannot be destroyed; a face deep within the human personality that is impregnable to all assaults.

Man cannot live without some knowledge of the purpose of life. If he can find no purpose in life he creates one in the inevitability of death.

Martyrs are needed to create incidents. Incidents are needed to create revolutions. Revolutions are needed to create progress.

I grew to manhood in the Ohio State Penitentiary.

American violence is public life, it's a public way of life, it became a form, a detective story form. So I should think that any number of black writers should go into the detective story form.

When you get to mixing sex and religion, it will make anybody crazy.

There is an indomitable quality within the human spirit that cannot be destroyed; a face deep within the human personality that is impregnable to all assaults.