Most authors seek fame, but I seek for justice—a holier impulse than ever entered into the ambitious struggles of the votaries of that fickle, flirting goddess.

Wood burns because it has the proper stuff in it, and a man becomes famous because he has the proper stuff in him.

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury—to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.

I am sick and tired of publicity. I want no more of it. It puts me in a bad light. I just want to be forgotten.

Being a star has made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to go and get insulted.

A woman’s greatest glory is to be little talked about by men, whether for good or ill.