Favorite poems are like favorite children. We definitely have them but we never tell as the others would have their feelings hurt.
Nikki GiovanniRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Taking risks without guarantees is essential to truly live and grow.
This quote by Nikki Giovanni emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and uncertainty in life. It suggests that many people avoid challenges or opportunities due to the fear of risking comfort or security, yet true living requires stepping into the unknown without the assurance of success or safety. Giovanni's powerful imagery of going 'naked' symbolizes authenticity and the courage to face life without protective barriers.
Themes
RiskVulnerabilityCourageAuthenticityGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth and development.
More from Nikki Giovanni
All quotes →I want to be clear about this. If you wrote from experience, you'd get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy.
Nikki GiovanniRead
A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it.
Nikki GiovanniRead
Art is not for the cultivated taste. It is to cultivate taste.
Nikki GiovanniRead
Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t have ham, we will boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need. We need confidence in our knowledge of who we are.
Nikki GiovanniRead
If you were a pure bolt of fire-cutting the skies I'd touch you-risking my life-not because I'm brave or strong, but because I'm fascinated by what the outcome would be.
Nikki GiovanniRead
Similar quotes
The strike, the boycott, the refusal to serve, the ability to paralyze the functioning of a complex social structure-these remain potent weapons against the most fearsome state or corporate power.
Howard ZinnRead
There are still too many instances of police neither protecting nor serving LGBTQ and other marginalized communities. But the response shouldn't be to ban LGBTQ police from a parade.
Jonathan CapehartRead
I think there's something peculiar about me that I haven't died. It doesn't make sense but I refuse to die.
Judy GarlandRead
Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Elie WieselRead
The higher man is distinguished from the lower by his fearlessness and his readiness to challenge misfortune.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
One isn't born with courage. One develops it by doing small courageous things-in the way that if one sets out to pick up a 100-pound bag of rice, one would be advised to start with a five-pound bag, then 10 pounds, then 20 pounds, and so forth, until one builds up enough muscle to lift the 100-pound bag. It's the same way with courage. You do small courageous things that require some mental and spiritual exertion.
Maya AngelouRead