QuoteProject
When I came to New York, I told everyone I was a writer/director, and they said, 'No.' There was a rule. You could be one or the other. They ordained me writer. But then I won the Obie for directing 'Spunk,' and the rules changed.
George C. Wolfe
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Defying expectations can lead to success and changing perceptions.

This quote by George C. Wolfe illustrates the struggle of breaking stereotypes and societal norms, especially in creative fields. It highlights how personal ambition can clash with established conventions, yet through determination and success, one can reshape those conventions and challenge the definitions of identity and profession.

Themes

SuccessIdentityCreativeDeterminationChangeNorms

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech addressing young artists about breaking traditional roles.

More from George C. Wolfe

Every play is rhythmic control. If you want an audience to go on a journey, it's rhythmic control. You're crafting when they lean in, when they push back, when they breathe, when they surrender.
George C. WolfeRead
One of the things I learned very early on was that if you cast the show correctly, and if you've created the right energy in the room, the solution is also in the room. The solution doesn't necessarily come from someone, but if everybody is working in a very steadfast and rigorous way, then everything you're looking for is in the room.
George C. WolfeRead
A musical is what happens when text collides with motion collides with song collides with spectacle. And spectacle can be the human heart; it doesn't necessarily have to be a helicopter crashing.
George C. WolfeRead
The wonderful thing about theater is that it has so many people involved in the creation of it. The worst thing about theater is that it has so many people involved in the creation of it. That dynamic is thrilling and challenging every time you make a show.
George C. WolfeRead
I was raised to believe that other people's suffering was my responsibility.
George C. WolfeRead
I think I am the first person of color to direct a major white play on Broadway. In 1993? That's astounding to me. And horrifying to me.
George C. WolfeRead

Similar quotes

I'm not really keen on comebacks. Eurythmics was an incredible thing. When I look back on that work, I feel very satisfied with it.
Annie LennoxRead
The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.
Keith FerrazziRead
Profitability comes from loyalty, productivity, and having a character base from which to work.
Zig ZiglarRead
The world was full of locked doors, and he had to get his hand on every key.
Orson Scott CardRead
It has been a great honour to play for the West Indies, to hold a bat and to spend 17 years in international cricket. That is something I am proud of.
Brian LaraRead
You spend more of the game preparing to win in the final seconds. And that is what separates winners from losers.
Pat SummittRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.