I realized I was more convincing to myself and to the people who were listening when I actually said what I thought, versus what I thought people wanted to hear me say.
Ursula BurnsRead
I'm a black lady from the Lower East Side of New York. Not a lot intimidates me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes resilience and fearlessness in the face of adversity.
Ursula Burns' quote reflects her strong sense of self and confidence, highlighting her background as a black woman from a challenging environment. It suggests that her experiences have fortified her character and instilled a sense of fearlessness that enables her to confront challenges head-on without being intimidated by them.
Themes
CourageIntimidationResilienceIdentityConfidence
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on empowerment, you might use this quote to inspire others to embrace their identity and face challenges boldly.
More from Ursula Burns
All quotes βMy mother was amazing. I guess, in our community, if you wanted to get by you had to work hard. So she cleaned offices. She did everything that you could imagine. We were really poor. But she would say, 'Where you are is not who you are.'
Ursula BurnsRead
My perspective comes in part from being a New York black lady, in part from being an engineer. I know I'm smart and have opinions worth being heard.
Ursula BurnsRead
Fresh out of college, you tend to join a company because it's a job. But, you tend to stay because it becomes a career; you start to feel at home. In the beginning of your career, you're focused on you: 'I like this place because I'm doing rewarding work; they take good care of me; the people are nice; there's runway for me,' etc.
Ursula BurnsRead
Similar quotes
I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up or take a knee for your rights - anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
Beto O'RourkeRead
On becoming soldiers we have not ceased to be citizens.
Oliver CromwellRead
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey FiersteinRead
A lot of people refuse to do things because they don't want to go naked, don't want to go without guarantee. But that's what's got to happen. You go naked until you die.
Nikki GiovanniRead
My singing silenced the bullies, but better than that, it silenced the demons inside me. When you're jeered at, told to shut up, sit still, stop being silly, there's a cacophony of noise rolling around in your head. When I was singing, it was peaceful.
Susan BoyleRead
In war there is no substitute for victory.
Douglas MacarthurRead