It is not my ambition to marry a white woman or swim in a white pool. It is political equality that we want.

A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.

A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it's lowest ones

It reaffirmed my long-held belief that education was the enemy of prejudice. These were men and women of science, and science had no room for racism.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

When the women begin to take an active part in the struggle, no power on earth can stop us from achieving freedom in our lifetime.

Of course you cannot know a man completely, his character, his principles, sense of judgement, not till he’s shown his colors, run the people, making laws. Experience, there’s the test.

I loved it in the unconditional way that children love their first home.

If wealth is a magnet, poverty is a kind of repellent.

What I took out of them was that character was measured by facing up to difficult situations and that a hero was a man who would not break even under the most trying circumstances.

When you are young and strong...you can stay alive on your hatred"....but realized later "They can take everything from me except my mind and heart"Nelson Mandela from Long Walk to Freedom

Solitude is the house of peace.

Loose and forbear!

We don't need a degree to learn the art of giving. We just need a heart.

Sooner or later everyone is defeated by their desires.

I had to break up with Medusa. I just got sick of buying mice for her hair. I should have ended it sooner, but you try looking into those eyes.

You cannot dream yourself into a character you must hammer and forge yourself one.

Guilt, remorse. It's what separates us from the animals.

Read it aloud to yourself because that's the only way to be sure the rhythms of the sentences are OK.

Whatever my fate, I'll go to it laughing.

I had such a great upbringing in Puerto Rico, and it was just a very normal life.