The past is what makes the present coherent, and the past will remain horrible for exactly as long as we refuse to assess it honestly.

A real writer is always shifting and changing and searching.

Somebody," said Jacques, "your father or mine, should have told us that not many people have ever died of love. But multitudes have perished, and are perishing every hour - and in the oddest places! - for the lack of it.

White people will have quite enough to do in learning how to accept and love themselves and each other, and when they have achieved this - which will not be tomorrow and may very well be never - the Negro problem will no longer exist, for it will no longer be needed.

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

But the relationship of morality and power is a very subtle one. Because ultimately power without morality is no longer power.

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.