Never whine. Whining lets a brute know that a victim is in the neighborhood.

I would welcome a friendship with Lynne Hinton. I would welcome an invitation to sit down at her table, but mostly I would welcome her next book.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

Because of technological breakthroughs, the society will need fewer and fewer unskilled laborers.

If on Judgement Day I were summoned by St. Peter to give testimony to the used-to-be sheriff's act of kindness, I would be unable to say anything in his behalf. His confidence that my uncle and every other Black man who heard of the Klan's coming ride would scurry under their houses to hide in chicken droppings was too humiliating to hear. Without waiting for Momma's thanks, he rode out of the yard, sure that things were as they should be and that he was a gentle squire, saving those deserving serfs from the laws of the land, which he condoned.

Anything that works against you can also work for you once you understand the Principle of Reverse.

Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.