The only thing that white people have that black people need, or should want, is power-and no one holds power forever.

It is only because the world looks on his talent with such a frightening indifference that the artist is compelled to make his talent important.

I'm not interested in anybody's guilt. Guilt is a luxury that we can no longer afford. I know you didn't do it, and I didn't do it either, but I am responsible for it because I am a man and a citizen of this country and you are responsible for it, too, for the very same reason... Anyone who is trying to be conscious must begin to dismiss the vocabulary which we've used so long to cover it up, to lie about the way things are.

Recognizing a problem doesn't always bring a solution, but until we recognize that problem, there can be no solution.

The interior life is a real life, and the intangible dreams of people have a tangible effect on the world.

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.

To act is to be committed, and to be committed is to be in danger.