My mother used to tell me man gives the award, God gives the reward. I don't need another plaque.

[Having monologue] are talking to somebody even if it's just to yourself, convince yourself if that's what you're trying to do.

If you don't trust the pilot, don't go.

I'm not a big Hollywood star. I'm an actor. I'm called a star. That's not what I am. First of all I'm a human being; my profession is acting. People give you titles. They say you're an up and coming star, then they say you're a star, then they say you're a washed-up star. So I don't get caught up in what I'm called. My job, my profession, is acting.

Don't aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.

When I did A Soldier's Story, I was very young and green and thought I knew everything-now I know I know everything!

The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They're not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion - to care about people and about your children" (217) - John Singleton "Oh Man, I've Become My Father