Ralph Ellison American Quotations

I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.

Hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action.

I am not ashamed of my grandparents for having been slaves. I am only ashamed of myself for having at one time being ashamed.

The understanding of art depends finally upon one's willingness to extend one's humanity and one's knowledge of human life.

When American life is most American it is apt to be most theatrical.