You must be an artist and a citizen of the world. You must speak to this stuff that's happening. You must do what you can to shine a light on it, help people through it.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
Oh, Alexander Hamilton fell short of his best self every now and again, and he still managed to do these wonderful things - well, so do I. So what am I capable of?
Interpretation
Even great individuals have flaws, yet they achieve remarkable things, inspiring us to realize our own potential.
In this quote, Leslie Odom, Jr. reflects on the imperfections of historical figures like Alexander Hamilton, emphasizing that despite their shortcomings, they accomplished significant feats. This serves as a reminder that everyone is capable of greatness, and one should not be deterred by their own imperfections, but instead should focus on what they can achieve.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage a group of young professionals.
You must be an artist and a citizen of the world. You must speak to this stuff that's happening. You must do what you can to shine a light on it, help people through it.
To get even realer with you for a second, as a black actor, as a performer of color, I don't know how many more roles like Aaron Burr are gonna come along for me.
We're reminded yet again: we are stronger, we are smarter, we have more fun when we include each other - when we include as many perspectives as possible.
I grew up in Philadelphia in a time where we took it for granted that we were supposed to be young and gifted and black. It was a culture of excellence - and all my friends were more talented than I was.
It's still a political statement to stand on stage as a person of color and be excellent. We still need those images to combat the narrative we're often fed - as someone innately inferior or inexorably linked with lack.
EVERYONE suddenly burst out singing; And I was filled with such delight As prisoned birds must find in freedom, Winging wildly across the white Orchards and dark-green fields; on—on—and out of sight. Everyone’s voice was suddenly lifted; And beauty came like the setting sun: My heart was shaken with tears; and horror Drifted away ... O, but Everyone Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done.
Men ablaze are invincible. Hell trembles when men kindle. The stronghold of Satan is proof against everything but fire. The Church is powerless without the flame of the Holy Ghost. Destitute of fire, nothing else really counts; possessed of fire, nothing else really matters. The one vital need is fire. Without the flame and fervour of the Holy Ghost the Church will never accomplish its mission.
Ordinary women of grace are, in a sense, my real role models.
At that time, we were in charge. We didn't ask. We just did. We just did what was in our heart.
I want my fans to love themselves. It's almost like I want to hypnotize them so when they hear my music they love themselves instantly.
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
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