Skip to content

Accepted Quote by Duane Michals

“If I was concerned about being accepted, I would have been doing Ansel Adams lookalikes, because that was easily accepted. Everything I did was never accepted...but luckily for me, my interest in the subject and my passion for the subject took me to the point that I wasn't wounded by that, and…” quote by Duane Michals
Download Open image
“If I was concerned about being accepted, I would have been doing Ansel Adams lookalikes, because that was easily accepted. Everything I did was never accepted...but luckily for me, my interest in the subject and my passion for the subject took me to the point that I wasn't wounded by that, and eventually, people came around to me.”

Duane Michals

About This Quote

Source Interview: Art Talk, Duane Michals, 2015

The desire for acceptance can lead to imitation, but true passion sustains you despite rejection.

In simple terms: Seeking approval may cause copying; passion protects you.

Key Takeaway

Follow your passion, not approval.

Themes

authenticity creativity rejection acceptance

Mood

reflective determined

Type

inspirational personal

When to use this quote

  • artistic career
  • personal projects
  • creative collaborations

Key Concepts

self‑actualization intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you compromise your vision for acceptance?
  • How can you stay resilient when misunderstood?
A Different Perspective

Passion may not guarantee external validation.

4.8 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Duane Michals

Explore all 62 Duane Michals quotes

More Accepted quotes

Browse all 2,128 Accepted quotes