This is a collection quotations, reflections, and folk sayings from ancient and modern Africans. Novelist, short story writer, and professor of English McKnight has selected bits of wisdom from black individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Chinua Achebe, Malidoma Patrice Some, Desmond Tutu, and many others. The quotations mirror unique African takes on spirituality, elders, family trouble, stories, death, and the natural world. Some of the best bits are tribal folk sayings such as "Where there is more than enough, more than enough is wasted" (Bantu). Or, "The heart is like deep waters" (Tsonga).