Many people know how to criticize, but few know how to praise.

Basically there is no difference between whites and blacks, browns and yellows. I decided to think no more of people as Northerners and Southerners.

Whenever I played Columbus, Ohio, I dropped in to see my close friend, a medium who had mysterious powers. Her Indian guide was Mohawk.

We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.

We never had a bathtub. Mom would bathe me in the wooden or tin washtub in the kitchen, or in a big lard can.

I am somebody cause God don't make no junk

Only those who are being burned know what fire is like.

Today or any day that phone may ring and bring good news.

There was one emotional outlet my people always had when they had the blues. That was singing.

All the men in my life have been two things: an epic and an epidemic.

Whenever I write for hotel reservations, I always enclose a set of rules I have made for the hotels.

I think you've got to get out whatever's hurting you through your art, so it doesn't twist you up inside.

Michele Bachmann... I'm not going to say it. I'm not going to say it.... Tutti-frutti. I know I'm going to get in trouble!

I do not want to give any orders to the airmen, but get hold of a Komsomol air unit, and say I want volunteers for the job.

Religion contracts the circle of our pleasures, but leaves it wide enough for her votaries to expatiate in.

Only the poor are handicapped by honor.

There is a legend. And to protest is daft.

Solon being asked, namely, what city was best to live in. That city, he replied, in which those who are not wronged, no less than those who are wronged, exert themselves to punish the wrongdoers.

Obedience insures greatness, whilst disobedience leads to a repulse. Whosoever possesseth the qualities of righteousness placeth his head on the threshold of obedience.

Pakistan is an old ally of the United States.

I think I approach all of my writing in the same way. I mean, it's my job, and I'm committed to it. I don't just float around and wait for some muse to call.