Some people are your relatives but others are your ancestors, and you choose the ones you want to have as ancestors. You create yourself out of those values. Ralph Ellison ancestorchoosecreate Change image and share on social
America is woven of many strands. I would recognise them and let it so remain. Our fate is to become one, and yet many. This is not prophecy, but description. Ralph Ellison americadescriptionfate Change image and share on social
I am not ashamed of my grandparents for having been slaves. I am only ashamed of myself for having at one time being ashamed. Ralph Ellison ashamedgrandparentslave Change image and share on social
There must be possible a fiction which, leaving sociology and case histories to the scientists, can arrive at the truth about the human condition, here and now, with all the bright magic of the fairy tale. Ralph Ellison arrivebrightcase share on social
Eclecticism is the word. Like a jazz musician who creates his own style out of the styles around him, I play by ear. Ralph Ellison createeareclecticism Change image and share on social
When I discover who I am, I'll be free. Ralph Ellison discoverfreewill Change image and share on social
Life is to be lived, not controlled, and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat. Ralph Ellison continuecontroldefeat Change image and share on social
Good fiction is made of that which is real, and reality is difficult to come by. Ralph Ellison difficultfictiongood Change image and share on social
Hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action. Ralph Ellison actioncoverthibernation Change image and share on social
The act of writing requires a constant plunging back into the shadow of the past where time hovers ghostlike. Ralph Ellison actbackconstant Change image and share on social
