Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must — at that moment — become the center of the universe.

What hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor, but the silence of the bystander.

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.

Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.

For the dead and the living, we must bear witness. Not only are we responsible for the memories of the dead, we are responsible for what we do with those memories

The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. Indifference creates evil. Hatred is evil itself. Indifference is what allows evil to be strong, what gives it power.

Even in darkness it is possible to create light.

I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.

To remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all.

All collective judgments are wrong. Only racists make them. No human race is superior; no religious faith is inferior.

Because I remember, I despair. Because I remember, I have the duty to reject despair.

He had the feeling that there was something physically behind his eyes, blocking the light.

As a rule, Americans are big on that word “choice” and some souls can be captured simply by dangling before the creature a continual, lifelong supply of things from which to choose.

When I stand strong in youI can look beyond the cloudsWith your wordsThe sun will rise again

I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy.

I don't care what you do to me, but I don't want you to hurt me. I've had enough hurt already in my life. More than enough. Now I want to be happy.

Statistics are no substitute for judgment.

You're like a dull knife, it just ain't cutting.

Even sad stories are company. And perhaps that's why you might read such a chronicle, to look into a companionable darkness that isn't yours.

I always try to create conflict and drama in my books; it's the engine of the novel.

[My mom told me] to always be loyal and treat someone how you want to be treated. Find someone that you can love and that's going to be your best friend.