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Certainty Quote by Audre Lorde

“The speaking will get easier and easier. And you will find you have fallen in love with your own vision, which you may never have realized you had. And you will lose some friends and lovers, and realize you don't miss them. And new ones will find you and cherish you. And at last you'll know with…” quote by Audre Lorde
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“The speaking will get easier and easier. And you will find you have fallen in love with your own vision, which you may never have realized you had. And you will lose some friends and lovers, and realize you don't miss them. And new ones will find you and cherish you. And at last you'll know with surpassing certainty that only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.”

Audre Lorde

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Speaking Voice,” 1990, from “Sister Outsider” collection

The author describes how speaking one’s truth becomes increasingly natural, yet the greatest fear remains the silence of not speaking at all.

In simple terms: Speaking truth becomes easier, but not speaking is the real terror.

Key Takeaway

Embrace speaking your truth despite fear of silence.

Themes

identity courage communication self‑discovery relationships

Mood

empowering reflective

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • writing
  • conflict resolution
  • personal therapy

Key Concepts

authenticity fear of silence personal growth social change

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truth have you been avoiding?
  • How does silence affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective

Fear of speaking may be amplified by external oppression or internal doubt.

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