Alex Haley Quotesy, born Alexander Murray Palmer Haley on August 11, 1921, in Ithaca, New York, was an American writer and journalist, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family (1976) and his collaboration on The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965). His work brought African American history and genealogy to the forefront, inspiring millions through his storytelling. A former U.S. Coast Guard journalist, Haley’s writings blend deep historical insight with a passion for heritage and resilience. These 15 quotes—sourced from his books, interviews, and public statements—reflect his wisdom on family, identity, perseverance, and the human experience, capturing his profound legacy and narrative power.
15 Alex Haley Quotes
- “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” (Roots: The Saga of an American Family, 1976)
- “Either you deal with what is the reality, or you can be sure that the reality is going to deal with you.” (The Autobiography of Malcolm X, 1965)
- “In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we have come from.” (Roots: The Saga of an American Family, 1976)
- “The main thing you got to remember is that everything in the world is a hustle.” (The Autobiography of Malcolm X, 1965)
- “Racism is taught in our society, it is not automatic. It is learned behavior toward persons with dissimilar physical characteristics.” (Interview, My Soul Looks Back, ‘Less I Forget, 1993)
- “Find the good and praise it.” (Personal motto, A Kwanzaa Celebration, 1995)
- “When you clench your fist, no one can put anything in your hand, nor can your hand pick up anything.” (Roots: The Saga of an American Family, 1976)
- “Every time an old person dies, it’s like a library burning down.” (Interview, Alex Haley: The Man Who Traced America’s Roots, 2007)
- “My fondest hope is that ‘Roots’ may start black, white, brown, red, yellow people digging back for their own roots. Man, that would make me feel 90 feet tall.” (Interview, PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “The way to succeed is never quit. That’s it. But really be humble about it.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” (Interview, Traits of a Healthy Family, 1985)
- “History is written by the winners.” (Roots: The Saga of an American Family, 1976)
- “In my writing, as much as I could, I tried to find the good, and praise it.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “Anytime you see a turtle up on top of a fence post, you know he had some help.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “You can never enslave somebody who knows who he is.” (Interview, Love Expands, n.d.)
Alex Haley’s quotes are a powerful blend of insight, resilience, and a call to understand our roots, urging readers to embrace their heritage, confront reality, and find strength in connection. Which one’s got you ready to dig into your own story? Drop it in the comments and keep his legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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