It is the white man who creates the Negro. But it is the negro who creates negritude.

Culture has never the translucidity of custom; it abhors all simplification. In its essence it is opposed to custom, for custom is always the deterioration of culture.

...There are too many idiots in this world. And having said it, I have the burden of proving it.

In the World through which I travel, I am endlessly creating myself.

Introducing someone as a "Negro poet with a University degree" or again, quite simply, the expression, "a great black poet." These ready-made phrases, which seem in a common-sense way to fill a need-or have a hidden subtlety, a permanent rub.

The misfortune of the man of color is having been enslaved. The misfortune and inhumanity of the white man are having killed man somewhere.

Mastery of language affords remarkable power.