I can't live where I want to, I can't go where I want to go, I can't do what I want to, I can't even say what I want to. I decided I was a very stupid fool not to at least paint as I wanted to.
Georgia O'KeeffeRead
It's not enough to be nice in life. You've got to have nerve.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being kind is important, but courage and assertiveness are also essential in life.
Georgia O'Keeffe's quote emphasizes that while being nice is a valuable trait, it is not sufficient on its own for success or fulfillment in life. The ability to take risks, stand up for oneself, and demonstrate bravery is crucial. This suggests that while kindness is admirable, it must be complemented by the courage to act decisively and boldly in various situations.
Themes
KindnessCourageAssertivenessLifeNerve
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one might reference this quote to encourage people to act boldly.
More from Georgia O'Keeffe
All quotes βI found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.
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You are one of my nicest thoughts.
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It was in the 1920s, when nobody had time to reflect, that I saw a still-life painting with a flower that was perfectly exquisite, but so small you really could not appreciate it.
Georgia O'KeeffeRead
Singing has always seemed to me the most perfect means of expression.
Georgia O'KeeffeRead
Objective painting is not good painting unless it is good in the abstract sense. A hill or tree cannot make a good painting just because it is a hill or tree. It is lines and colors put together so that they may say something.
Georgia O'KeeffeRead
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