From Julian Bond to Patricia Caldwell, 16 Feb 1970

February 16, 1970

Dear Miss Caldwell:

Thank you for your letter of February 11. You are very kind.

I am flattered to know that you want to be like me, but you should seek to be yourself, with as little outside influence as possible.

The only advice I could offer is to study hard and to prepare yourself for the future.

Most important, I think, is to read, read, read. Read history, especially that history directly related to yourself and your people.

You will never learn as much as you ought to, and will never know as much as you should. No one ever does.

But as long as you keep learning and your mind keeps growing, you'll be all right.

Sincerely,

Julian Bond

Miss Patricia Caldwell 4054 Byram Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana