Michael Stipe Quotes

I found at an early age the times when I learned the most about myself was when I got thrown out there on a stage in front of a microphone when you didn't really want to be out there, where you're kind of afraid.

Where I Was Wrong

There's a way I could have done things differently. I know that. If I offended anyone along the way, I do apologize.

I realize I have made a lot of mistakes and done things wrong. I've done things I wish I could have done in another way. I didn't come in with the same kind of desperation that I may have had on the first or second record. I didn't come in thinking, 'Oh God, please. I hope this does well because I have nothing else and I worked so hard at this.'

I left acting for 15 years, and I think it's really nice to have another life. I took too much for granted when I was younger. I didn't really want to be an actor. I didn't really love it. And so I made a lot of mistakes. Oddly, I care much more about it now. I feel like a complete novice.

There is certainly a satisfaction and dignity to be gained in coming to terms with the mistakes one has made in the course of one’s life

I know the mistake I am making. I see the exits in life.

If I have gained anything over these months, it is the knowledge there is no starting over- only living with the mistakes you've made.

I call myself out on my mistakes, but in telling the truth, sometimes it stings a little.

I made my share of mistakes. People can look at that as what not to do, and if they choose to make fun of it, that's fine. I can't control that. All I know is that I can control myself. And at that point in my life, I wasn't even able to do that.

I've gained no wisdom, no insight, no mellowing. I would make all the same mistakes again, today.

Looking at my life was very difficult. I think I learned that I haven't been as good a person as I'm inclined to think of myself as. I haven't been as good friend, haven't been as good a person, made a lot of mistakes.

When I look at my life I realise that the mistakes I have made, the things I really regret, were not errors of judgement but failures of feeling.

Okay I've been stupid in the past. Not consistently stupid, but occasionally stupid. And I've made mistakes. You bet, I've made mistakes.

I have the impression that every time I'm heartbroken, I leave a bit of myself behind. I am the believer. I go back and do the same mistakes over and over again and sign them proudly.

I've learned so much from all my mistakes. I just wish I had gotten my education.

I made the wrong mistakes

I believe there were things I probably should have done differently. But I'm not going to spend a lot of time crying over spilt milk.

Performing live is easy in front of an audience.

I have many regrets and things I wish I could go back and change, but I have also worked hard and tried to improve myself.

If I would have had the same opportunities when I was 22, there's a good chance I would have squandered them. I know my work wouldn't have been any good.

I remember some of the biggest mistakes I have made really, really well.

Acting is a subtle combination of hiding and revealing yourself, and as I'm not an extrovert, this is painful for me.

I'm hard on myself, like, 'Oh, why did you say that?' But it helps me grow.

There are things that you think about in your life that you're proud of, some things that you're not proud of.