I have to go and say farewell to all the countries that I have been to, if I can. I am 73 now, it is taxing on me.

People in the United States still have a 'Tarzan' movie view of Africa. That's because in the movies all you see are jungles and animals . . . We [too] watch television and listen to the radio and go to dances and fall in love.

African music, though very old, is always being rediscovered in the West.

Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them

Age is getting to know all the ways the world turns, so that if you cannot turn the world the way you want, you can at least get out of the way so you won't get run over.

I ask you and all the leaders of the world: Would you act differently, would you keep silent and do nothing if you were in our place? Would you not resist if you were allowed no rights in your own country because the color of your skin is different to that of the rulers, and if you were punished for even asking for equality? I appeal to you, and through you to all the countries of the world, to do everything you can to stop the coming tragedy. I appeal to you to save the lives of our leaders, to empty the prisons of all those who should never have been there.

Be careful, think about the effect of what you say. Your words should be constructive, bring people together, not pull them apart.