410 Quotes by Chinua Achebe

If we have any role at all, I think it’s the role of optimism, not blind or stupid optimism, but the kind which is meaningful, one that is rather close to that notion of the world which is not perfect, but which can be improved. In other words, we don’t just sit and hope that things will work out; we have a role to play to make that come about.

A snake was never called by its name at night, because it would hear. It was called a string.

Among the Igbo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.

I feel that there has to be a purpose to what we do. If there was no hope at all, we should just sleep or drink and wait for death. But we don’t want to do that. And why? I think something tells us that we should struggle. We don’t really know why we should struggle, but we do, because we think it’s better than sitting down and waiting for calamity.

Don't disparage the day that still has an hour of light in its hand.

Looking at a king's mouth, ' said an old man, 'one would think he never sucked at his mother's breast.

A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness

Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings.

When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk