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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
Self-WorthHard WorkSuccessMotivationPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
During a commencement speech to encourage graduates to believe in their potential.
More from Jessye Norman
All quotes →Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself.
Jessye NormanRead
I am grateful that my horizons were not narrowed at the outset.
Jessye NormanRead
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.
Jessye NormanRead
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.
Jessye NormanRead
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.
Jessye NormanRead
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What doesn't kill us sharpens us. Hardens us. Schools us. You're beating plowshares into swords, Vosch. You are remaking us. We are the clay, and you are Michelangelo. And we will be your masterpiece.
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