Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart Quotes

Among the Igbo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.

When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk

As our fathers said, you can tell a ripe corn by its look.

Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings.

When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth

It always surprised him when he thought of it later that he did not sink under the load of despair.

A snake was never called by its name at night, because it would hear. It was called a string.

I do not know how to thank you.''I can tell you, ' said Obierika. 'Kill one of your sons for me.''That will not be enough, ' said Okonkwo.'Then kill yourself, ' said Obierika.

There is no story that is not true, " said Uchendu. "The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.