Bessie Head: 10 heart-wrenching quotes from the author of "When Rain Clouds Gather"

"He knew from his own knowledge of himself that true purpose and direction are creative."

1. "It is preferable to change the world on the basis of love of mankind. But if that quality be too rare, then common sense seems the next best thing."

2. "Love is mutually feeding each other, not one living on another like a ghoul."

3. "People with really weak characters cause an immense amount of suffering in the world. They destroy whole civilisations."

 

4. "If one is happy and cracked it's much better than being unhappy and sane."

5. "Prejudice is like the old skin of a snake. It has to be removed bit by bit."

 

6. "He knew from his own knowledge of himself that true purpose and direction are creative."

7. "Well-educated men often come to the crossroad of life .. One road might lead to fame and importance, and another might lead to peace of mind. It's the road of peace of mind that I'm seeking."

 

8. "If you can find a society that leaves the individual to develop freely you ought to choose that society as your home."

9. "Most men were waiting for the politicians to sort out their private agonies."

 

10. "I am building a stairway to the stars. I have the authority to take the whole of mankind up there with me. That is why I write."

READ: Mother of African Literature on feminism, motherhood and why Black women all over the world should unite