Logo - Feel The Words

Being Quotes

On identity, openness and staying true to yourself.

This set of quotes explores what it means to simply be: holding onto a child's spontaneity, embracing honesty that feels inappropriate in creative work, or aging with flexibility instead of resistance. For more on self-belief, see our Able quotes.

Someone I met years ago explained to me the difference between a personality and an actor, a personality being Eddie Murphy or Roseanne Barr, and an actor being Morgan Freeman and Alfre Woodard or Marlon Brando.

Quotes by Orlando Jones

Yeah it would be really cool to disappear. Like Jack Nicholson in 'The Passenger.' Isn't that the final frontier? Being able to erase everything everyone knows about you and just be a stranger has become extremely seductive.

Quotes by Oneohtrix Point Never

We had a band called the Grainers. In our 12-year-old minds, this was like a double entendre for like being annoying and being a delicious donut. I got kicked out of the band for playing bass incorrectly. Like, I was...

Quotes by Oneohtrix Point Never

I loved being on stage, but I told myself that if I didn't get into RADA, I wouldn't pursue an acting career. I did get in, though, and that was that.

Quotes by Oona Chaplin

We know that there are people in our nation, black people, who are systematically being disenfranchised in a number of spheres in our lives.

Quotes by Opal Tometi

Some of us have held the hands of friends or brothers as they struggled with military and police academy recruiters, and though many of them never dreamed of being policemen, a lack of opportunities led them to those positions.

Quotes by Opal Tometi

Let's demonstrate, illustrate, the ways in which our communities are being undermined time and time again, and make sure that the broader public and those in power choose to stand with us.

Quotes by Opal Tometi

I see Turkey's future as being in Europe, as one of many prosperous, tolerant, democratic countries.

Quotes by Orhan Pamuk

Well, on the one hand the Turks have the legitimate need to defend their national dignity - and this includes being recognized as a part of the west and Europe.

Quotes by Orhan Pamuk

Being a fiction writer makes you someone who works with irresponsibility.

Quotes by Orhan Pamuk

Being the frontperson is great because you're running the show.

Quotes by Orianthi

Pushing yourself and digging into something new, that's what being a musician is all about.

Quotes by Orianthi

But it is important to observe that when Europe or the United Nations impose sanctions that are supposed to be aimed against a certain regime, usually generally millions of people end up being directly punished.

Quotes by Omar Bongo

I don't know what women are attracted to. I can't tell, but certainly I have no notion of having sex appeal or being seductive in any way.

Quotes by Omar Sharif

You never want to be on the receiving end of Donald Trump being disappointed in you.

Quotes by Omarosa Manigault Newman

I would not make the mistake of ever speaking for Mr. Trump, because he does so well with being candid and direct with the voters.

Quotes by Omarosa Manigault Newman

Like a lot of young lads who dreamt about being a singer, I was a massive fan of Robbie Williams and couldn't believe my luck when, not only did I get to meet my idol, but sing with him, too.

Quotes by Olly Murs

I think we're socialized out of being women, and then we have to find our way back to it. That's hard to do.

Quotes by Olympia Dukakis

I sometimes truly despair at ever being meaningfully altered and affected by the things I claim are so important to me.

Quotes by Olympia Dukakis

Most competition in Silicon Valley now heads toward there being one monopolistic winner.

Quotes by Om Malik

Frequently Asked Questions

What perspectives on "being" show up in these quotes?
The quotes touch on being from a particular place ("Being from Louisiana and a big outdoorsman"), being childlike as a performer, being inappropriate as part of the craft of acting, and being flexible and open as part of aging well.
Is there a quote here about acting and creativity?
Yes, two: "As an actor, you always want to reach back to being a child and having the spontaneity and the imagination of a child," and "There's so much we can't express in our day-to-day interaction with people because it's considered inappropriate. And acting is all about being inappropriate." For more on consistent character traits, see Always.
What does this page say about aging?
"Aging gracefully means being flexible, being open, allowing change, enjoying change and loving yourself" offers a positive take on getting older, tied closely to the idea of "being" open to change.
Is there anything here about personal identity or background?
Yes: "Love the show 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.' Being from Louisiana and a big outdoorsman, I'm a big fan of 'Duck Dynasty' as well" ties personal identity to place and interests. For more quotes centered on personal likes, browse Like.
How does this page relate to the Able quotes page?
"Being" here is about states and qualities of a person - childlike, open, flexible - while Able focuses more on capability and what someone can do. Also check Good for more positive, character-focused quotes.

You may also like our Good quotes on positive character traits and Always quotes on consistency and steadfastness.