Quotes About Individuality

I can't change me and I can't change other people's thinking. All I can do is continuously get better. So if I'm doing that, even if somebody doesn't like me or respect me, I don't care.

I always look for contradiction in a character.

I like contradictions, and I like exceptions. I don't like rules and dogma.

The essential problems remain the same... The kids I write about are asking for the same things I wanted. They want two contradictory things. They want to be the same as everyone else, and they want to be different from everyone else. They want acceptance for both.

Contrary to popular belief, I'm not always trying to stand out.

Contrary to assumptions in the law, white America is hardly a monolith.

I prefer wearing no makeup anyway, because I like the contrast when you go out at night and you look different. I actually feel more confident with less makeup than I do with makeup on.

There is a huge contrast between what others think who I am and my real self.

Everybody has a lane. Everybody has something that they can contribute.

Not everybody is going to be John Cena. Not everybody is going to be The Rock. You need to be what you can be and contribute like you can.

I'd never just want to do what everybody else did. I'd be contributing to the sameness of everything.

That's all I think my job is, to make my own contribution.

I think the point is that each of us, in our own unique ways, can make a contribution. You don't have to be a full time activist or even run for office. Start small, commit to it, and build on it.

You can't control how other people see you or think of you. But you have to be comfortable with that.

Music is something no one can control.

I don't really like being controlled by anyone.

When I'm out there, it's just me. Nobody's controlling me, and I can do whatever I want to do. I'm my own man.

I think if I'm controversial it's not because I set out to be. It's because I've never felt comfortable being part of someone else's mainstream community.

I've had the basic courage and confidence to never follow convention.

My advice to young people everywhere: Choose schools that encourage self-discovery early on. Don't be afraid to buck convention. And when someone asks you what you want to do with the rest of your life, take the time to really think about it.

The conventional idea of beauty is so boring.

There's not a lot of conversation going on in my world about softening my image. I'm pretty much who I am.

I used to always wear Vans back in the day. I had every type of Vans and Converse there was. I was a Chucks guy and a Vans guy.

Do whatever it takes to convey your essential self.