Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey FiersteinRead
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Interpretation
Stand up for yourself and assert your identity without letting others dictate your worth.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and personal agency. It encourages individuals to resist external pressures and bullying, asserting that each person has the power to define their own life and identity, rather than allowing others to impose their views or judgments.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
CBS really wants me on TV. That's their aim. My aim is to have an all-gay sitcom someday, with heterosexuals as token guest stars. Let them be the next-door neighbors for a change.
Theater is my temple and my religion and my act of faith. Strangers sit in a room together and believe together.
Theater has to resonate in your heart in a way that movies don't.
I really am a theater person. That means you put something out there, and you let it go. Tomorrow night is a new performance.
How often are the perpetrators of hate-crimes discovered to be self-loathing? Valued individuals do not strike out against strangers.
We are so resilient as a people. I have so much respect for their dignity and courage. I hope the world sees this side of Pakistan, one where professionals want a democracy. The spirit of our intelligentsia cannot be broken.
The soldier who gropes for glory must submit himself to discipline. Subordination gives strength and security to an army. He that will not submit to it when corrected and improved by the experience of ages does not deserve the proud appellation of a soldier.
You might not be a big fan of politics, but you can still participate. All you need to do is vote for people you believe will work on these issues, and if they don't work the way they should, then it is your responsibility to call them, organize a town hall, and demand that they show up - hold them accountable.
Bullies are always cowards at heart and may be credited with a pretty safe instinct in scenting their prey.
First principle: never to let one's self be beaten down by persons or by events.
It takes more courage to send men into battle than to fight the battle yourself.
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