“If you want to go public with your opinions, then someone is going to judge you a moron. And there is always a risk that you may be.”

“Someone is always going to try to knock you down and take your place. It is up to you to fight for what you want.”

“There will be danger; some of you may not live to complete your lessons. It's a risk you take. This world is bigger than you and it will go on, regardless.”

“To find out your real opinion of someone, judge the impression you have when you first see a letter from them.”

“It's about risking everything. Putting your heart on the line, even when you don't know what's going to happen. It's risking having the person you love rip it out and stomp all over it in public.”

“Toni Morrison said, "The function of freedom is to free someone else," and if you are no longer wracked or in bondage to a person or a way of life, tell your story. Risk freeing someone else. Not everyone will be glad that you did. Members of your family and other critics may wish you had kept your secrets. Oh, well, what are you going to do?”