The human heart dares not stay away too long from that which hurt it most. There is a return journey to anguish that few of us are released from making.
Lillian SmithTo find the point where hypothesis and fact meet; the delicate equilibrium between dream and reality; the place where fantasy and earthly things are metamorphosed into a work of art; the hour when faith in the future becomes knowledge of the past; to lay down one's power for others in need; to shake off the old ordeal and get ready for the new; to question, knowing that never can the full answer be found; to accept uncertainties quietly, even our incomplete knowledge of God; this is what man's journey is about, I think.
Lillian SmithSegregation is evil; there is no pattern of life which can dehumanize men as can the way of segregation.
Lillian SmithThe question in crisis or ordeal is not: Are you going to be an extremist? The question is: What kind of extremist are you going to be?
Lillian SmithFaith and doubt both are needed - not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve.
Lillian SmithFor men tied fast to the absolute, bled of their differences, drained of their dreams by authoritarian leeches until nothing but pulp is left, become a massive, sick Thing whose sheer weight is used ruthlessly by ambitious men. Here is the real enemy of the people: our own selves dehumanized into the masses. And where is the David who can slay this giant?
Lillian Smith