Chris Abani Quotes

8 Sourced Quotes

He said to me, "It will always be difficult, but if you cry like this every time, you will die of heartbreak. Just know it is enough sometimes to know it is difficult."

Chris Abani
What I've come to learn is that the world is never saved in grand messianic gestures, but in the simple accumulation of gentle, soft, almost invisible acts of compassion, everyday acts of compassion. In South Africa they have a phrase called ubuntu. Ubuntu comes out of a philosophy that says, the only way for me to be human is for you to reflect my humanity back at me.

Chris Abani
Time was the only variable in every equation of power and oppression--how long before the pot boiled over.

Chris Abani
Something that had the quality of a dimly lit stage set just before the curtains rise on opening night. There was a rhythm to it, a beckoning, and a bittersweet tear in time.

Chris Abani
Before you speak, my friend, remember, a spiritual man contain his anger. Angry words are like slap in de face.

Chris Abani
We are hunting the demons that haunt others. We get a smell and off we go. And you know why, Sunil? You know why we are so good at hunting the demons of others? Because we are so good, gifted even, at stalking and evading our own. But all demons hunters think that they are really heroes, and you know what all heroes need?

Chris Abani
Elvis, stop dat! You know it is taboo to whistle at night. You will attract a spirit.

Chris Abani
There was a positive side to not trying at something: you could always pretend that your life would have been different if you had.

Chris Abani