America sometimes resembles, at least from the point of view of a black man, an exceedingly monotonous minstrel show; the same dances, same music, same jokes. One has done (or been) the show so long that one can do it in one’s own sleep.

The determination to outwit one's situation means that one has no models, only object lessons.

To be sensual, I think, is to respect and rejoice in the force of life, of life itself, and to be present in all that one does, from the effort of loving to the breaking of bread.

Nakedness has no color: this can come as news only to those who have never covered, or been covered by, another naked human being.

History is not a procession of illustrious people. It's about what happens to a people. Millions of anonymous people is what history is about.

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

Man cannot live by profit alone.