Quotes About Individuality

All I feel are the assaults of apprehension and terror at the thought that I am the only one who is entirely unlike the rest. It is almost impossible for me to converse with other people. What should I talk about, how should I say it? - I don't know.

I am convinced that those people whom the world considers good and respects are all liars and fakes. I do not trust the world. My only ally is the tagged dissolute. The tagged dissolute. That is the only cross on which I wish to be crucified. Though ten thousand people criticize me, I can throw in their teeth my challenge: Are you not all the more dangerous for being without tags?

Am I wrong in thinking that these people have become such complete egoists and are so convinced of the normality of their way of life that they have never once doubted themselves?

I didn't know whether it was better to maintain a fierce distinction between yourself and your acquaintances in society in order to deal with and respond properly to things in a pleasant manner, or rather never to hide yourself, to remain true to yourself always, even if they say bad things about you

And yet, in some instances… No, I don't even know that… The more I think of it, the less I understand. All I feel are the assaults of apprehension and terror at the thought that I am the only one who is entirely unlike the rest. It is almost impossible for me to converse with other people. What should I talk about, how should I say it?— I don't know.

It may be true that in any society defective types with low vitality like myself are doomed to perish, not because of what they think or anything else, but because of themselves. I have, however, some slight excuse to offer. I feel the overwhelming pressure of circumstances which make it extremely difficult for me to live.

All I feel are the assaults of apprehension and terror at the thought that I am the only one who is entirely unlike the rest.

It's a faculty absolutely unique to man—having secrets.

Each individual has his own way of living. Can we not learn to respect one another's chosen way? One makes every effort to live in a dignified and proper manner, without harming anyone else, yet people will carp and cavil and try to tear one down.

Across from me four or five salarymen who all looked about the same age were just sitting there. They must have been around 30. I didn't like any of them. Their eyes were empty and dull. They had no vigor. But now, if I so much as grinned at them, I could very well be dragged off by one of these men, falling into the chasm of compulsory marriage. A mere smile can determine a woman's fate. It is frightening. Fascinatingly so. I have to be careful.

I wanted to write only what I wanted to write.

Por lo que parece, mi concepto de la felicidad está en completo desacuerdo con el del resto de las personas, y la intranquilidad que genera me hace dar vueltas y gemir por las noches en mi cama. Incluso ha llegado a afectar me la razón.

Yes, I may be a loser, but I'm the best dam loser you'll ever meet

I hope for a revolution in ethics and morals. Then, my obsequiousness and this need to plod through life according to others' expectations would simply dissolve.

Quando scoprii che il mio concetto della felicità sembrava in pieno contrasto con quello d'ogni altra persona, fu tale l'angoscia che mi dibattei gemendo insonne nel mio letto per notti e notti di seguito.

Different eye color, hair color—is that enough to arouse this much hostility?

You were born 1 of 1 and original, dying a copy should never be an option

The more freedom we enjoy, the greater the responsibility we bear, toward others as well as ourselves.

Contrasting ideas are constantly swirling around us in billions of forms, it's tough to remain vigilant, but just be you and be yourself.

Don't vote based on what others are doing. Go with your gut and the knowledge you've gleaned from doing your research. Do listen to what others have to say––it is important to gauge what others feel and think but you must still reach an opinion based on what you know, think and feel is the right choice.

You are gifted with unique abilities which make you rare, special, something that separates you from everyone else in the world.

I don't do something because I think it will sell 30 million albums. I couldn't care less. If it sells one, it sells one.

A red rose is not selfish because it wants to be a red rose. It would be horribly selfish if it wanted all the other flowers in the garden to be both red and roses.

I won't tell you that the world matters nothing, or the world's voice, or the voice of society. They matter a good deal. They matter far too much. But there are moments when one has to choose between living one's own life, fully, entirely, completely—or dragging out some false, shallow, degrading existence that the world in its hypocrisy demands. You have that moment now. Choose!