---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Nobody ever listened to me until they…"
description: "\"Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was\" — Banksy"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg"
---

#  Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was

![“Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was” quote by Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg)

> “Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was”

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Recognition often follows anonymity; people pay attention when they discover the creator’s identity.

**In simple terms:** People ignore you until they know who you are.

Key Takeaway

Seek to be known for your work.

Themes

identity recognition art society

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- gallery openings
- social media posts
- public installations
- artist interviews

Key Concepts

anonymity celebrity visibility

Questions to Reflect On

- How does anonymity affect the impact of art?
- What does being recognized change about your message?

A Different Perspective

Fame can eclipse the art itself.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Funny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funny/) [Graffiti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/graffiti/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Wall and piece](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wall-and-piece/)

## Related quotes

> [Modern art is a disaster area. Never in the field of human history has so much been used by so many to say so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/modern-art-is-a-disaster-area-never-in-the-field-of-human-history-has/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a f\*\*king sharp knife to it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/think-outside-the-box-collapse-the-box-and-take-a-f-king-sharp-knife/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/graffiti-is-one-of-the-few-tools-you-have-if-you-have-almost-nothing/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [When I was young I used to listen to other people and to try and understand what they thought and where they were coming…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malala-yousafzai/when-i-was-young-i-used-to-listen-to-other-people-and-to-try-and/)

[Malala Yousafzai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malala-yousafzai/)

> [Nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/nothing-is-more-common-than-unsuccessful-people-with-talent/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [The Art we look at is made by only a select few. A small group create, promote, purchase, exhibit and decide the success of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/the-art-we-look-at-is-made-by-only-a-select-few-a-small-group-create/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [We don’t need any more heroes; we just need someone to take out the recycling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/we-don-t-need-any-more-heroes-we-just-need-someone-to-take-out-the/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [When you go to an art gallery you are simply a tourist looking at the trophy cabinet of a few millionaires.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/when-you-go-to-an-art-gallery-you-are-simply-a-tourist-looking-at-the/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [We can't do anything to change the world until capitalism crumbles. In the meantime we should all go shopping to console ourselves,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/we-can-t-do-anything-to-change-the-world-until-capitalism-crumbles-in/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [“To his great relief she recommended no course of action. She listened. She didn't believe in giving advice, even when asked.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-baxter/to-his-great-relief-she-recommended-no-course-of-action-she-listened/)

[Charles Baxter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-baxter/)

> [“He is a fool to let you go. No, I'm the fool for not hearing him when he told me in no uncertain terms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/genna-rulon/he-is-a-fool-to-let-you-go-no-i-m-the-fool-for-not-hearing-him-when/)

[Genna Rulon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/genna-rulon/)

> [“There's no way you're going to get a quote from us" - (Metropolitan Police spokesperson) Wall And Piece by Banksy”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-gunningham/there-s-no-way-you-re-going-to-get-a-quote-from-us-metropolitan/)

Robin Gunningham

> [Graffiti's always been a temporary art form. You make your mark and then they scrub it off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/graffiti-s-always-been-a-temporary-art-form-you-make-your-mark-and/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Graffiti ultimately wins out over proper art because it becomes part of your city, it' s a tool; "I'll meet you in that pub,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/graffiti-ultimately-wins-out-over-proper-art-because-it-becomes-part/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [The grumpier you are, the more assholes you meet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/the-grumpier-you-are-the-more-assholes-you-meet/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

## More by Banksy

> [A wall is a very big weapon. It's one of the nastiest things you can hit someone with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/a-wall-is-a-very-big-weapon-it-s-one-of-the-nastiest-things-you-can/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Some people criticize me for using sources that are a bit low brow (this quote is from 'Gladiator') but you know what? 'I'm just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/some-people-criticize-me-for-using-sources-that-are-a-bit-low-brow/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [There's nothing more dangerous than someone who wants to make the world a better place.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/there-s-nothing-more-dangerous-than-someone-who-wants-to-make-the/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [The grumpier you are, the more assholes you meet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/the-grumpier-you-are-the-more-assholes-you-meet/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Today's art has been cancelled due to police activity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/today-s-art-has-been-cancelled-due-to-police-activity/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Graffiti ultimately wins out over proper art because it becomes part of your city, it' s a tool; "I'll meet you in that pub,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/graffiti-ultimately-wins-out-over-proper-art-because-it-becomes-part/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [The bad artists imitate, the great artists steal,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/the-bad-artists-imitate-the-great-artists-steal/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Graffiti's always been a temporary art form. You make your mark and then they scrub it off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/graffiti-s-always-been-a-temporary-art-form-you-make-your-mark-and/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [I just wanna make the world a better-looking place. If you don't like it, you can paint over it!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/i-just-wanna-make-the-world-a-better-looking-place-if-you-don-t-like/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [When he time comes to leave, just walk away quietly and don't make any fuss.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/when-he-time-comes-to-leave-just-walk-away-quietly-and-don-t-make-any/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [If at first you don't succeed, Call an airstrike.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/if-at-first-you-don-t-succeed-call-an-airstrike/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [Painting something that defies the law of the land is good. Painting something that defies the law of the land and the law of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/painting-something-that-defies-the-law-of-the-land-is-good-painting/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [“Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a fucking sharp knife to it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/think-outside-the-box-collapse-the-box-and-take-a-fucking-sharp-knife/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [We can't do anything to change the world until capitalism crumbles. In the meantime we should all go shopping to console ourselves,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/we-can-t-do-anything-to-change-the-world-until-capitalism-crumbles-in/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

> [If you want to say something and have people listen then you have to wear a mask. If you want to be honest then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/if-you-want-to-say-something-and-have-people-listen-then-you-have-to/)

[Banksy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

[Explore all 140 Banksy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/)

## More Funny quotes

> [You cant be controlling in improv.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-walsh/you-cant-be-controlling-in-improv/)

[Matt Walsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-walsh/)

> [When you step out and do a song in a musical, the easier thing to do is make it funny. But when those transitions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelli-o-hara/when-you-step-out-and-do-a-song-in-a-musical-the-easier-thing-to-do/)

[Kelli O'Hara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelli-o-hara/)

> [Joking about violence is not funny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/perez-hilton/joking-about-violence-is-not-funny/)

[Perez Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/perez-hilton/)

> [It's a hard thing to describe. It's just this sense that you got something to say.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonah-lehrer/it-s-a-hard-thing-to-describe-it-s-just-this-sense-that-you-got/)

[Jonah Lehrer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonah-lehrer/)

> [God reveals Himself through surprises.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-francis/god-reveals-himself-through-surprises/)

[Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-francis/)

> [Sometimes I look at my awesome twitter followers &amp; think to myself, What the hell would I do without them :)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikhil-saluja/sometimes-i-look-at-my-awesome-twitter-followers-think-to-myself-what/)

[Nikhil Saluja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikhil-saluja/)

> [The happy have whole days,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colley-cibber/the-happy-have-whole-days/)

[Colley Cibber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colley-cibber/)

> [Congratulations to Facebook on going public with all my private information...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/congratulations-to-facebook-on-going-public-with-all-my-private/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Why are things as they are and not otherwise?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johannes-kepler/why-are-things-as-they-are-and-not-otherwise/)

[Johannes Kepler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johannes-kepler/)

> [I've been funny my whole life. This is a gift God gave me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracy-morgan/i-ve-been-funny-my-whole-life-this-is-a-gift-god-gave-me/)

[Tracy Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracy-morgan/)

> [Penis goes in , sperms cums out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikhil-saluja/penis-goes-in-sperms-cums-out/)

[Nikhil Saluja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikhil-saluja/)

> [If you were to send a werewolf to the moon, would he be a werewolf permanently?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristen-schaal/if-you-were-to-send-a-werewolf-to-the-moon-would-he-be-a-werewolf/)

[Kristen Schaal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kristen-schaal/)

> [When you have a choice, choose happy!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pancho-barnes/when-you-have-a-choice-choose-happy/)

Pancho Barnes

> [If you can connect people, you can create the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-heiferman/if-you-can-connect-people-you-can-create-the-future/)

[Scott Heiferman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-heiferman/)

> [Don't think OF the market. Think AS the market.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-fishman/don-t-think-of-the-market-think-as-the-market/)

Michael Fishman

[Browse all 39,858 Funny quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funny/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Banksy"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-didn-t-know-who-i-was/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Funny"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-didn-t-know-who-i-was/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/328/banksy-3076_funny_nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-di_2719068.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was” — Banksy",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Banksy",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/banksy/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Nobody ever listened to me until...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-didn-t-know-who-i-was/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/banksy/nobody-ever-listened-to-me-until-they-didn-t-know-who-i-was/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
