If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every time you want to do something different, to find out what people are going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a very strange way to live.
Jessye NormanRead
My parents said to us, practically on a daily basis, that we were as good as anyone else on this earth, and that we would simply have to work harder in order to show that.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-worth and hard work in achieving success.
Jessye Norman reflects on her parents' teachings, which instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth and the understanding that diligence and effort are key to proving one's value. This message highlights the belief that everyone has equal potential, and with hard work, individuals can fulfill their capabilities and achieve their goals.
In practice
During a commencement speech to encourage graduates to believe in their potential.
If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every time you want to do something different, to find out what people are going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a very strange way to live.
Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself.
I am grateful that my horizons were not narrowed at the outset.
As for my voice, it cannot be categorised - and I like it that way, because I sing things that would be considered in the dramatic, mezzo or spinto range.
It is still more likely that a woman's power would be seen as aggression, and a man's power would be seen as assertion.
I love singing jazz. I don't like the idea that classical music should be over here and jazz should be someplace else. It's all wonderful, and we should be open to enjoying it all.
Whimpering never kept a leaking vessel from foundering. Vigorously manning the pumps has. Get busy with your head and hands, not your chin.
The Spirit goes ahead of us when we witness--- _x000D_ preparing the way, giving us the words, and granting us courage.
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
My friends and I started that motto early in high school - that attitude, that mentality - from way back then: Want to go to Stanford? Why not? Want to play in the NBA? Why not?
You can be whoever you choose to become in the future, just do it. Just see it and visualize it and every day of your life project that about yourself.
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
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