Audre Lorde Quotes

I'm terrified of losing my voice.

We must say something, even when we know nothing.

People are usually afraid to say what's on their mind.

One should never, ever remain silent for fear of complexity,

It's not that people want to be like me, but some want to say the things I say and can't because they're afraid. I say it for them.

Where's the upside in opening your mouth?

Only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth, and that is not speaking.

As a young man, I felt a need to communicate with somebody or something, but it seemed in my own particular environment that that wasn't an option. On the other hand, I probably lacked the courage to do so, even if it was an option.

I've always been slightly afraid of coming out with my record because it's so personal to me. Now it doesn't feel as frightening as I thought it would.

Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot.

I was afraid to express myself for a while.

Songwriting is the most terrifying thing to me, because you are really laying your heart out there.

Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind - even if your voice shakes.

Your silence will not protect you.

To sin by silence, when we should protest, Makes cowards out of men.

It's a little nerve-wracking to stand up on stage all by yourself.

I don't talk in front of people.

Putting your work out there is scary!

Real life is a funny thing, you know. In real life, saying the right thing at the right moment is beyond crucial. So crucial, in fact, that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to fear more that that is letting the moment pass without saying anything. I think most of us fear reaching the end of our life, and looking back, regretting the moments we didn't speak up. When we didn't say "I love you." When we should've said "I'm Sorry." When we didn't stand up for ourselves or some one who needed help.

I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. That the speaking profits me, beyond any other effect....what I most regretted were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid? ...Death on the other hand, is the final silence...my silences had not protected me. Your silences will not protect you.

What I most regretted were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid?

Whenever I walk out on a stage, I'm begging for affection.

My greatest fear is speaking in public.

I wish I could shut up, but I can't, and I won't.

I'm scared of saying something that may get taken the wrong way.