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.

I think what sets a New York rapper apart from other rappers from other places is just being from New York.

Quotes by Dave East

I think we carry around the idea of being a Kid in the Hall as part of our identity. It's a big part of how we see ourselves now.

Quotes by Dave Foley

In a lot of ways, it was a huge relief, not being a member of a troupe, being able to make your own decisions and kind of live your own life.

Quotes by Dave Foley

I'm known for being very enthusiastic about using technology. A lot of the attraction is the way that it streamlines the process and takes a lot of the drudgery out of it.

Quotes by Dave Gibbons

I love everything about my job, except being away from the kids.

Quotes by Dave Grohl

I mean, I never liked being told what to do. It's one of the reasons I dropped out of school.

Quotes by Dave Grohl

And later, if I ever felt that I was getting swept away by the craziness of being in a band, well, I'd go back to Virginia.

Quotes by Dave Grohl

I'm kind of claustrophobic... It's not even like enclosed spaces. It's like I hate being stuck in one band, you know? Just being stuck is the biggest drag, for fear that, you know, just that you can't get out.

Quotes by Dave Grohl

Mumford and Sons and Adele are both incredible artists and are great for popular music. There's a lot of club music with heavy beats, so to have that Mumford record and hear banjos being used is so cool.

Quotes by Dave Haywood

Being on the road is kind of lonely.

Quotes by Dave Attell

Geographically, Ireland is a medium-sized rural island that is slowly but steadily being consumed by sheep.

Quotes by Dave Barry

Being famous is great, it's not like bad or horrible or anything.

Quotes by Dave Chappelle

I love being famous - it's phenomenal.

Quotes by Dave Chappelle

I was doing sketches that were funny but socially irresponsible. I felt I was deliberately being encouraged and I was overwhelmed.

Quotes by Dave Chappelle

Whether it means having a show, or a movie, or just being on a stage, I need an avenue to say what I have to say.

Quotes by Dave Chappelle

Identity is made up of lots of different things now. Different colors and patterns stand out at different times. Different instruments in the symphony of being are more distinct than others at different times.

Quotes by Darryl Pinckney

After Reconstruction, black newspapers evolved from being a propaganda arm into a kind of opposition press, because even the friends of former slaves had their fears.

Quotes by Darryl Pinckney

I was always an introvert as a kid. Then, when I first kind of came out as a human being, I used to be one of those guys who'd go nuts on the dance floor, and people would gather around.

Quotes by Daryl Hall

Most artists try to avoid cliches, but it's pretty hard to avoid them if you yourself end up being one.

Quotes by Daryl Hall

Being a humanitarian, supporting animal rights activists, human rights activists, it's all the same.

Quotes by Daryl Hannah

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.