The challenge throughout has been to tell what I view as the truth about racism without causing disabling despair.

It appears that my worst fears have been realised: we have made progress in everything yet nothing has changed.

I live to harass white folks.

Self-esteem is like a difficult-to-cultivate flower. It requires frequent nurturing that occurs when you keep your word and follow through on your promises.

Slavery is, as an example of what white America has done, a constant reminder of what white America might do.

All ethical people strive to choose "right" over "easy" when confronted by situations that force them to choose one or the other.

My wife says I spend my life trying to teach white folks. I'm not so sure I'm proud of it, but she's right.

A rule without exceptions is an instrument capable of doing mischief to the innocent and bringing grief - as well as injustice - to those who should gain exemptions from the rule's functioning.

Few whites are ready to actively promote civil rights for blacks.

Courage is a finite resource, it is exhausted by the terrors we face.

Constant dedication brings constant prosperity

Scatter as a prayerescaping my lips...as orchidsblooming in clouds.

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.

Any time you do a movie there are going to be war wounds that you end up getting.

Aging has brought me greater liberty in fiction. When I was young I was harder on myself. I wrote with an idea of absolute seriousness.

My further advice on your relations to women is based upon that other motto of chivalry, "Serve all, love one."

A general truth is to have a good sense of humor. Roll with the punches of life's ups and downs. Laughing at yourself always helps.

After university, I got a job sub-editing and for years I was a literary editor.

Living from our deepest understanding requires an enormous effort, especially when it goes against the stream of our instinctually programmed perceptions of the world.

It is said that the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn.