Believe Quote by Audre Lorde
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cancer Journals, Audre Lorde, 1980
Speaking one's truth, despite risk of misunderstanding, is vital; silence offers false protection and can lead to regret.
In simple terms: Speak out, silence harms.
Key Takeaway
Share honestly, even if painful.
Themes
expression
vulnerability
regret
empowerment
Mood
reflective
empowering
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- personal healing
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
feminist theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you say if fear vanished?
- How does silence serve you?
A Different Perspective
Silence may sometimes be strategic, not always harmful.
![“[Speaking] is never without fear; of visibility, of the harsh light of scrutiny and perhaps judgment, of pain, of death. But we have lived through all of those already, in silence, except death. And I remind myself all the time now, that if I were to have been born mute, and had maintained an oath…” quote by Audre Lorde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/008/audre-lorde-758_born_speaking-is-never-without-fear-of-visibi_2564375.jpg)
