I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Quotes

Few, if any, survive their teens. Most surrender to the vague but murderous pressure of adult conformity.

I know why the caged bird sings.

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

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

If you’re for the right thing, you do it without thinking.

I had read a Tale of Two Cities and found it up to my standards as a romantic novel. She opened the first page and I heard poetry for the first time in my life…her voice slid in and curved down trough and over the words. She was nearly singing.

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

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

The world had taken a deep breath and was having doubts about continuing to revolve.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

The needs of a society determine its ethics.

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

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.

If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.

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

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

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.