My book had a universal theme. It's not a "racial" novel. It portrays an aspect of civilization, not necessarily Southern civilization.

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.

The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that.

The things that happen to people we never really know. What happens in houses behind closed doors, what secrets -

People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.

Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.

He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.

Things are always better in the morning.

It's not necessary to tell all you know.

Writing is a process of self-discipline you must learn before you can call yourself a writer. There are people who write, but I think they're quite different from people who must write.

...but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.

I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.

He's like a man with a fork, in a world of soup. (about his brother Liam)

At least I understood that writing was this: an impulse to share with other people a feeling or truth that I myself had. Not to preach to them, but to give it to them if they cared to hear it.

This attitude is basic human nature. We'd rather look outward and blame others for ills that befall us than point the finger at ourselves.

When free men stand, they will always carry on and lift Liberty yet unfree men shall always struggle to fight for freedom and liberty until they attain it.

If an investigative reporter finds out that someone has been robbing the store, that may be 'gotcha' journalism, but it's also good journalism.

Throwing up is natures way of saying you need to re-examine your idea of a good time.

Geography does not define you - love does.

A bear teaches us that if the heart is true, it doesn't matter much if an ear drops off.

I don't know why I go to school unless for kicks, oh well might as well do dissect a frog.