QuoteProject
I often thought my gravestone would say, 'Here lies Gandalf. He came out,'
Ian Mckellen
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on identity and self-acceptance, illustrating the desire to be true to oneself.

In this quote, Ian McKellen humorously imagines what his gravestone might say, using the name 'Gandalf' to symbolize his iconic role as a character who is powerful yet embraces his true self. The phrase 'He came out' serves as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and acceptance, particularly in regards to one’s identity. This reflects a deep philosophical notion about living authentically and being open about who we are, even at the end of life.

Themes

IdentitySelf-AcceptanceAuthenticityHumorDeath

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about embracing one's true self during Pride Month.

More from Ian Mckellen

It's only fair that stable gay relationships of long standing should have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples. I know the image of gay marriage is to some people horrific and ludicrous.
Ian MckellenRead
On the whole, actors shout when they don't know what they're doing, trying to make an impact.
Ian MckellenRead
I just followed my parents' example and advice on living, which was to leave the world a better place than you found it. They were professional do-gooders, ministers of the church, social workers, teachers, and missionaries, that sort of thing.
Ian MckellenRead
I don't make any distinction between a popular TV series or blockbuster film and doing Shakespeare. They're different, but as long as the material is good and the intention is honourable, it's all the same to me.
Ian MckellenRead
There are deaths in public places on the grounds that the victim is gay.
Ian MckellenRead
What's nice for me, having identified myself for years as being rather shy, is now, wherever I am, in public, there tends to be a friendly face who's pleased to see me, and I like that.
Ian MckellenRead

Similar quotes

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.
Ronald ReaganRead
Even today we raise our hand against our brother... We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves as if it were normal we continue to sow destruction, pain, death. Violence and war lead only to death.
Pope FrancisRead
Justice discards party, friendship, kindred, and is always, therefore, represented as blind.
Joseph AddisonRead
Recognition of the inevitability of comprehensive bureaucratization does not solve the problems that arise out of it.
Joseph A. SchumpeterRead
Imagination is the deceptive part in man, the mistress of error and falsehood.
Blaise PascalRead
Dear future generations: Please accept our apologies. We were rolling drunk on petroleum.
Kurt VonnegutRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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