Air Quote by Jessye Norman
“If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every time you want to do something different, to find out what people are going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a very strange way to live.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: NPR Fresh Air, 2005
Relying on others' opinions to guide actions restrict personal freedom and leads to a constrained life.
In simple terms: Seeking approval limits freedom.
Key Takeaway
Trust your own judgment.
Themes
self‑reliance
authenticity
independence
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- creative projects
- personal relationships
- daily routines
Key Concepts
social conformity
self‑validation
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- What decisions do you make based on others' views?
- How would your life change if you ignored them?
A Different Perspective
Over‑valuing external feedback can cause indecision.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)