Of course imagination is the beginning of creation. Without imagination there can be no creation.

— Pearl S. Buck

Once the "what" is decided the "how" always follows. We must not make the "how" an excuse for not facing and accepting the "what."

— Pearl S. Buck

One faces the future with one's past.

— Pearl S. Buck

Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.

— Pearl S. Buck

Out of the woman's great brown breast the milk gushed forth for the child, milk as white as snow, and when the child suckled at the one breast it flowed like a fountain from the other, and she let it flow. There was more than enough for the child, greedy though he was, life enough for many children, and she let it flow out carelessly, conscious of her abundance. There was always more. Sometimes she lifted her breast and let it flow out upon the ground to save her clothing, and it sank into the earth and made a soft, dark, rich spot in the field. The child fat and good-natured and ate of the inexhaustible life his mother gave him.

— Pearl S. Buck

Praise out of season or tactlessly bestowed can freeze the heart as much as blame.

— Pearl S. Buck

Race prejudice is not only a shadow over the colored — it is a shadow over all of us, and the shadow is darkest over those who feel it least and allow its evil effects to go on.

— Pearl S. Buck

Self-expression must pass into communication for its fulfillment.

— Pearl S. Buck

Some are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together.

— Pearl S. Buck

Somehow I had learned from Thoreau, who doubtless learned it from Confucius, that if a man comes to do his own good for you, then must you flee that man and save yourself

— Pearl S. Buck