If the relationship of father to son could really be reduced to biology, the whole earth would blaze with the glory of fathers and sons.

An identity would seem to be arrived at by the way in which the person faces and uses his experience.

American history is longer, larger, more various, more beautiful, and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it.

Freedom lurked around us and I understood, at last, that he could help us be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did.

Secrets hidden at the heart of midnight are simply waiting to be dragged to the light, as, on some unlucky high noon, they always are. But secrets shrouded in the glare of candor are bound to defeat even the most determined and agile inspector for the light is always changing and proves that the eye cannot be trusted.

It is impossible to pretend that you are not heir to, and therefore, however inadequately or unwillingly, responsible to, and for, the time and place that give you life -- without becoming, at very best, a dangerously disoriented human being.

It comes as a great shock…to discover that the flag to which you have pledged allegiance…has not pledged allegiance to you. It comes as a great shock to see Gary Cooper killing off the Indians, and although you are rooting for Gary Cooper, that the Indians are you.