I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Quotes

At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.

Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.

The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.

She comprehended the perversity of life, that in the struggle lies the joy.

The intensity with which young people live demands that they “blank out” as often as possible.

Without willing it, I had gone from being ignorant of being ignorant to being aware of being aware. And the worst part of my awareness was that I didn’t know what I was aware of. I knew I knew very little, but I was certain that the things I had yet to learn wouldn’t be taught to me at George Washington High School.

Of all the needs (there are none imaginary) a lonely child has, the one that must be satisfied, if there is going to be hope and a hope of wholeness, is the unshaking need for an unshakable God. My pretty Black brother was my Kingdom Come.

Ritie, don’t worry ’cause you ain’t pretty. Plenty pretty women I seen digging ditches or worse. You smart. I swear to God, I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind.

But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core.

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

In Stamps the segregation was so complete that most Black children didn’t really, absolutely know what whites looked like.

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy.

Life is going to give you just what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray, then you can wait.

Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill, of things unknown, but longed for still, and his tune is heard on the distant hill, for the caged bird sings of freedom.

Children’s talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives.

I find it interesting that the meanest life, the poorest existence, is attributed to God’s will, but as human beings become more affluent, as their living standard and style begin to ascend the material scale, God descends the scale of responsibility at commensurate speed.