I believe that people should take pride in what they do, even if it is scorned or misunderstood by the public at large.
Interpretation
Take pride in your work, regardless of others' opinions.
This quote emphasizes the importance of personal pride and integrity in one's work and actions. It suggests that external validation is not necessary for self-worth and that individuals should find value in their own efforts, even if those efforts are not recognized or appreciated by society.
In practice
In a motivational speech addressing young artists, this quote can inspire creativity and self-acceptance.
The pro skaters I know are responsible members of society. Many of them are fathers, homeowners, world travelers and successful entrepreneurs. Their hairdos and tattoos are simply part of our culture, even when they raise eyebrows during PTA meetings.
If I can stand up when I'm 80, I'll be happy to cruise around on a skateboard. If I feel like my skills are fading, I just won't do it publicly.
When I started skating, it was such a small community. You didn't aspire to be rich or famous or make a career out of it because that wasn't something anyone had done yet.
I consider skateboarding an art form, a lifestyle and a sport. 'Action sport' would be the least offensive categorization.
My definition of success is doing what you love. I feel many people do things because they feel they have to, and are hesitant to risk following their passion.
Skateistan's not just about skating. Itβs giving people life skills and hope for the future.
Nobody's going to do your life for you. You have to do it yourself, whether you're rich or poor, out of money or raking it in, the beneficiary of ridiculous fortune or terrible injustice. And you have to do it no matter what is true. No matter what is hard. No matter what unjust, sad, sucky things befall you. Self-pity is a dead-end road. You make the choice to drive down it. It's up to you to decide to stay parked there or to turn around and drive out.
You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself be.
Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball.
There are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile.
There is a sort of enthusiasm in all projectors, absolutely necessary for their affairs, which makes them proof against the most fatiguing delays, the most mortifying disappointments, the most shocking insults; and, what is severer than all, the presumptuous judgement of the ignorant upon their designs.
Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal.
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