Everything depends on how relentlessly one forces from experience the last drop, sweet or bitter, it can possibly give.

There are too many things we do not wish to know about ourselves.

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.

What passes for identity in America is a series of myths about one's heroic ancestors.

In order to have a conversation with someone you must reveal yourself.

Everything now, we must assume, is in our hands; we have no right to assume otherwise. If we do not falter in our duty now, we may be able, handful that we are, to end the racial nightmare, and achieve our country, and change the history of the world.

Pessimists are the people who have no hope for themselves or for others. Pessimists are also people who think the human race is beneath their notice, that they're better than other human beings.