One of the greatest gifts my father gave me – unintentionally – was witnessing the courage with which he bore adversity. We had a bit of a rollercoaster life with some really challenging financial periods. He was always unshaken, completely tranquil, the same ebullient, laughing, jovial man. – Ben Okri
The strange thing about Africa is how past, present and future come together in a kind of rough jazz, if you like. – Ben Okri
The best writing is not about the writer, the best writing is absolutely not about the writer, its about us, its about the reader. – Ben Okri
Im conscious of a series of circles working its way through my life. And at this particular moment I have come round to the beginning of my writing cycle. It begins with poetry. Theres hardly a day that goes past on which I dont write poetry. – Ben Okri
The best kids are going to become the best. But the best thing about it is that youre going to learn lessons in playing those sports about winning and losing and teamwork and teammates and arguments and everything else that are going to affect you positively for the rest of your life. – Carl Lewis