We presuppose two things: that there is yet to be learned infinitely more than is now known, and that man can learn it.

It was the law that if a white man was caught trying to educate a Negro slave, he was liable to prosecution entailing a fine of fifty dollars and a jail sentence. . . Our ignorance was the greatest hold the South had on us. We knew we could run away, but what then?

No literature is sound, no philosophy of action workable, if it doesn't take a hard look at itself.

Generally, a desirable, practically attainable idea, suggested in prophecy, has a chance of forcing itself into reality by its very existence.

Never accept the initial premise of the opposition.

There's nothing quite so stultifying as having someone around who has all the answers-and gives them to you.

Write me a creature that thinks as well as a man or better than a man, but not like a man.