There can be no really pervasive system of oppression, such as that in the United States, without the consent of the oppressed

Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity - a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.

I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it.

When I think of my past, I try to dwell on the good times, the happy moments, and not to be haunted by the bad. . . To me the gift of life is contained in the command, whatever happens: "Don't let it get you. Just keep on going." Thus, I try to think of the good that I have already experienced and what will still be coming.

I know not age, nor weariness nor defeat.

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?

I tried to allow my children to take risks, to test themselves. Better broken bones than broken spirit.