The rights of no oppressed people have ever yet been obtained by a voluntary act of justice on the part of the oppressors.

Our elevation must be the result of self-efforts and work of our own hands. No other human power can accomplish it. If we but determine it shall be so, it will be so.

Let us have an education, that shall practically develop our thinking faculties and manhood; and then, and only then, shall we be able to vie with our oppressors, go where we may . . .

Every people should be the originators of their own destiny, the projectors of their own schemes, and creators of the events that lead to their destiny -- the consummation of their own desires.

A serpent is a serpent, and none the less a viper, because it is nestled in the bosom of an honest-hearted man.

It is only in the mountains that I can fully appreciate my existence as a man in America, and my own native land

The claims of no people, according to established policy and usage, are respected by any nation, until they are presented in a national capacity.

The soul knows its sorrow.

Experiment your sacred self!

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

Giving opens the way for receiving.

Death reveals that the world is not as it should be but that it stands in need of redemption. Christ alone is the conquering of death.

Physical infidelity is the signal, the notice given, that all fidelities are undermined.

The defining function of the artist is to cherish consciousness.

I love when things are transparent, free and clear of all inhibition and judgement.

I like playing with a live band and I've got my act and we're fine.

Man is the highest being that exists, and this is the greatest world.