I could only choose between being an outcast and being dishonest. — Clarence Thomas

"These guys are sitting there watching the destruction of our race while arguing about Ronald Reagan"

"Ronald Reagan isnt the problem. Former president Jimmy Carter was not the problem. The lack of black leadership is the problem"

"I cant see myself spending the rest of my life as a judge."

"A friend of mine who passed away some nine years ago was an active member of the NBA. And many of you may remember him, Gil Hardy. [Applause.] Probably one of the most painful tragedies for me of my confirmation was to see the name of one of the nicest, most decent human beings I had ever met, besmirched. And Gil was my best friend at both college and at Yale Law School. He was the best man at my wedding and he is the person to whom I went for solace."

"As I have noted, I find a thoughtful, analytical criticism most helpful. I do not think any judge can address a vast array of cases and issues without testing and re-testing his or her reasoning and opinions in the crucible of debate. However, since we are quite limited in public debate about matters that may come before the court, such debate must, for the most part, occur intramurally, thus placing a premium on outside scholarship."

"I began to suspect that Daddy had been right all along: the only hope I had of changing the world was to change myself first."