When you get up in the morning, you merely put on your clothes. When a colored man gets up in the morning, he puts on his armor.

It is true that no one can harm the person who wears armor. But no one can help him either.

Everyone of us is a wonder. Everyone of us has a story.

First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.

...one of my motivating forces has been to recreate the world I know into a world I wish I could be in. Hence my optimism and happy endings.

The boys think they can all be athletes, and the girls think they can all be singers. That's the way to fame and success. ...as a group blacks must give up their illusions.

The most amazing thing about little children ... was their fantastic adaptability.

I sometimes think humor and satire are more effective techniques for expressing social statements than direct comment.

it is amazing how all our paths of rebellion tend to lead us straight back home.

Writing is harder than anything else; at least starting to write is.

I marvel at the many ways we, as black people, bend but do not break.

Gratitude opens your eyes to the endless opportunities that expectation has hidden.

Sometimes you need to do something bad to do something good.I guess that's the irony of life.

What greater or better gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth?

Moths, and all sorts of ugly creatures, hover about a lighted candle. Can the candle help it?

Information is the #resolution of uncertainty.

When I have an idea, I turn down the flame, as if it were a little alcohol stove, as low as it will go. Then it explodes and that is my idea.

There is no folly like the folly of the wise.

You always have to remember to take care of yourself first and foremost, because when you stop taking care of yourself you get out of balance and you really forget how to take care of others.

Learn to nurture and trust your instincts as well as your conscious reasoning. Often, one's instincts will offer the better judgment.