no case of libel by a negro against a white would even reach a southern court.

Madness is only a variety of mental nonconformity and we are all individualists here.

It seems to me that the earth may be borrowed but not bought. It may be used but not owned. We are tenants, not possessors, lovers and not masters.

to comfort any mortal against loneliness, one other is enough.

The best fish in the world are of course those one catches oneself.

Personal publicity is apt to be dangerous to any writer's integrity; for the moment he begins to fancy himself as quite a person, a taint creeps into his work.

it is my conviction that the personality of the writer has nothing to do with the literate product of his mind. And publicity in this case embarrasses me because I am acutely conscious of how far short the book falls of the artistry I am struggling to achieve. It's like being caught half-dressed.