I believe in the necessity for struggle by people at the bottom of any society.

- Frances Fox Piven

Opinions are formed in a process of open discussion and public debate, and where no opportunity for the forming of opinions exists, there may be moods -- moods of the masses and moods of individuals, the latter no less fickle and unreliable than the former -- but no opinion.

- Hannah Arendt

I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year's fashions, even though I long ago came to the conclusion that I was not a political person and could have no comfortable place in any political group.
[Letter to the US House of Representatives Committee on Un-American Activities, 1952]

- Lillian Hellman

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.

- David Brinkley

Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.

- Margaret Chase Smith

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I'm a controversial figure. My friends either dislike me or hate me.

speech, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York, 1978

- Toni Morrison