I'm grateful to intelligent people. That doesn't mean educated. That doesn't mean intellectual. I mean really intelligent. What black old people used to call 'mother wit' means intelligence that you had in your mother's womb. That's what you rely on. You know what's right to do.

If you want what you're saying heard, then take your time and say it so that the listener will actually hear it. You might save somebody's life. Your own, first.

You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.

Anything that works against you can also work for you once you understand the Principle of Reverse.

Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!

When you know better you do better.

You can never be great at anything unless you love it.

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain.

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

I hate quotations. Tell me what you know. 

What you are comes to you.

You shall have joy, or you shall have power, said God; you shall not have both.

“You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men!

The world cannot be wrong if in this world there's you.

If you're really truthful with yourself, it's a wonderful guidance.

“To help a friend in need is easy, but to give him your time is not always opportune.

“What do you want a meaning for? Life is a desire, not a meaning.”

“You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.”

What do you want a meaning for? Life is a desire, not a meaning!

“Not only had I never made any such complaints, but at political meetings, I had given my suggestions to whatever man was sitting next to me, knowing that if a man offered them, they would be taken more seriously. You white women, Mrs. Greene said kindly, as if reading my mind, if you don’t stand up for yourselves, how can you stand up for anybody else?” 

“Anybody can be with you when you’re right, but only friends are with you when you mess up.” 

“You can travel without traveling, and you can not travel -- yet travel. Being on the road is a state of mind.” 

“Then, as if in answer to a riddle posed years before, you will realize that this growth came from seeds you planted or watered or carried from place to place—and you’ll be rewarded in the way that we as communal beings need most: you’ll know you made a difference.”