Elia Kazan understood my problems. He was able to bring out the very best in me. He gave me credit for my intelligence.

Basically there is no difference between whites and blacks, browns and yellows. I decided to think no more of people as Northerners and Southerners.

Whenever I played Columbus, Ohio, I dropped in to see my close friend, a medium who had mysterious powers. Her Indian guide was Mohawk.

We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.

We never had a bathtub. Mom would bathe me in the wooden or tin washtub in the kitchen, or in a big lard can.

I am somebody cause God don't make no junk

Many people know how to criticize, but few know how to praise.

Only those who are being burned know what fire is like.

Today or any day that phone may ring and bring good news.

There was one emotional outlet my people always had when they had the blues. That was singing.

All the men in my life have been two things: an epic and an epidemic.

I fell in love with you because there was a mischief in your eyes.

All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of every living organism to live beyond its income.

Bad taste is simply saying the truth before it should be said.

It is your birthright to live a life abundant in love. Make the commitment today to open your heart and let your love flow.

I think some people are really connected to who they were as children. And some people aren't.

On any given day, in any given moment, something could happen that opens up for you an entirely new path. Be still, be alert, be ready.

When liberals are behind something, I'm automatically suspicious.

I would bring Patti [Smith ] in to the editing room [working on the Dream of Life] and say, "This is a great moment for a voiceover, or a poem," and then we'd bring in some sound design.

When everybody has got money they cut taxes, and when they're broke they raise them. That's statesmanship of the highest order.