Quotes

Anybody can observe the Sabbath, but making it holy surely takes the rest of the week.

Writing saved me from the sin and inconvenience of violence.

It no longer bothers me that I may be constantly searching for father figures; by this time, I have found several and dearly enjoyed knowing them all.

I'm always amazed that people will actually choose to sit in front of the television and just be savaged by stuff that belittles their intelligence.

...For me, Black women are the most fascinating creations in the world.

The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites or women for men.

If by some miracle in all our struggle the earth is spared from nuclear holocaust, only justice to every living thing will save humankind.

On success: Women have to summon up courage to fulfill dormant dreams.

On reading: Poetry, I have discovered, is always unexpected and always as faithful and honest as dreams.

On writing: We inherit a great responsibility as well for we must give voice to centuries not only of silent bitterness and hate but also of neighborly kindness and sustaining love.

On writing: I'm not sure a bad person can write a good book. If art doesn't make us better, then what on earth is it for?

My favorite thing to notice is that the ravages of greed have not entirely destroyed nature's ability to surprise us with its beauty.