There are many true ladies, and they differ somewhat from society generally. So does a true gentleman, on the same principle of refinement and nobility of character.

Sunday, that day so tedious to the triflers of earth, so full of beautiful reposes of calmness and strength for the earnest and heavenly minded.

...it is only death which is hopeless.

Aspirations after the holy,--the only aspiration in which the human soul can be assured that it will never meet with disappointment.

I've often mused over the idea that madness is actually a sane reaction to an insane world.

Poetry, like jazz, is one of those dazzling diamonds of creative industry that help human beings make sense out of the comedies and tragedies that contextualize our lives.

what such people miscall their religion, is a vent for their bad humours and arrogance.

I told them [the producers] I couldn't compound the lie that Black fathers don't care about their children. I was proud of the family life I was able to introduce to television.

You kissed me like that when I was a blushing bride ...? I wonder what I was blushing about?

You always miss them [characters you've played] once you've walked away, but part of them always stays with you too.

Seeing Shakespeare in the Park, for me, it's just this side of feeling like you've witnessed some kind of magic. It's this spell that you're under, to be part of that!

I'd like to be invisible. To be anonymous and see things for what they really are. The truth may be painful but it's probably useful!

Working from nine till five every day at something that gives you no pleasure just so that, after thirty years, you can retire.

In this world the one thing supremely worth having is the opportunity to do well and worthily a piece of work of vital consequence to the welfare of mankind.