Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its read more

Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use.

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to read more

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

The first duty of love is to listen.

The first duty of love is to listen.

Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you read more

Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different.

I love a hand that meets my own with a grasp that causes some sensation.

I love a hand that meets my own with a grasp that causes some sensation.

We never respect those who amuse us, however we may smile at their comic powers

We never respect those who amuse us, however we may smile at their comic powers

Never take a person's dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you.

Never take a person's dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you.

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me . . . All I ask is that you respect me read more

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me . . . All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.

The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even read more

The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerance. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors, and deserves respect if not enthusiastic acceptance.