Skip to content

Birth Quote by David Sedaris

“I had paid for my folly and, as a reward, was invited to take part in the nest builder’s performance piece. The script was great. ‘When I bleat here, do you want me to just bleat or to really let go and “bleat, bleat”?’ I asked. ‘I feel like “bleat, bleating,” but if Mother/Destroyer is going to…” quote by David Sedaris
Download Open image
“I had paid for my folly and, as a reward, was invited to take part in the nest builder’s performance piece. The script was great. ‘When I bleat here, do you want me to just bleat or to really let go and “bleat, bleat”?’ I asked. ‘I feel like “bleat, bleating,” but if Mother/Destroyer is going to be crawling through the birth canal of concertina wire, I don’t want to steal focus, you know what I mean?”

David Sedaris

About This Quote

Source Essay: Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris, 2000

The narrator reflects on paying for a mistake that leads to an unexpected artistic opportunity, highlighting humility and self‑awareness.

In simple terms: A mistake turned into a chance to join a performance, prompting careful self‑expression.

Key Takeaway

Embrace unexpected chances with humility.

Themes

humility self‑awareness artistic collaboration

Mood

reflective playful

Type

anecdotal humorous

When to use this quote

  • theatre workshops
  • personal growth
  • public speaking
  • collaborative projects

Key Concepts

performance art self‑reflection creative risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance authenticity with respect for others?
  • When does self‑censorship hinder creativity?
A Different Perspective

The humor may mask deeper discomfort about being seen.

3.0 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by David Sedaris

Explore all 667 David Sedaris quotes

More Birth quotes

Browse all 6,068 Birth quotes