I'm a pessimist if I'm not careful, a feminist, a Black,...an oil-and-water combination of ambition, laziness, insecurity, certainty, and drive.

- Octavia Butler

Souls! When have you seen your own soul - that you're so certain you have one?

- Octavia Butler

First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your…

- Octavia Butler

We're all capable of climbing so much higher than we usually permit ourselves to suppose.

- Octavia Butler

In order to rise From its own ashes A phoenix First Must Burn.

- Octavia Butler

Consider We are born Not with purpose, But with potential.

- Octavia Butler

I'm me, and I'm here, and I'm writing.

- Octavia Butler

Beware: Ignorance Protects itself. Ignorance Promotes suspicion. Suspicion Engenders fear. Fear quails, Irrational and blind, Or fear looms, Defiant …

- Octavia Butler

There's no narcotic like exhaustion.

- Octavia Butler