Quotes by Ralph Ellison

America is woven of many strands; I would recognize them and let it so remain. It's 'winner take nothing' that is the great truth of our country or of any country. Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat. Our fate is to become one, and yet many -- This in not prophecy, but description.

And that lie that success was a rising upward.  What a crummy lie they kept us dominated by.  Not only could one travel upward toward success, but you could travel downward as well;  up and down, in retreat as well as advance, crabways and crossways and around in a circle, meeting your old selves coming and going and perahps all at the same time.

The understanding of art depends finally upon one's willingness to extend one's humanity and one's knowledge of human life.

When I discover who I am, I'll be free.