--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It takes time to understand yourself, to…" description: "\"It takes time to understand yourself, to go inside yourself and to question yourself and really take yourself to task. That's self-expression.\" — John ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/john-leguizamo-3025_expression_it-takes-time-to-understand-yourself-to_1206660.jpg" --- # It takes time to understand yourself, to go inside… ![“It takes time to understand yourself, to go inside yourself and to question yourself and really take yourself to task. That's self-expression.” quote by John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/john-leguizamo-3025_expression_it-takes-time-to-understand-yourself-to_1206660.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/john-leguizamo-3025_expression_it-takes-time-to-understand-yourself-to_1206660.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7a7/john-leguizamo-3025_expression_it-takes-time-to-understand-yourself-to_1206660.jpg) > “It takes time to understand yourself, to go inside yourself and to question yourself and really take yourself to task. That's self-expression.” [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Self‑knowledge requires deep introspection, honest self‑questioning, and holding yourself accountable, which is the essence of authentic self‑expression. **In simple terms:** Understanding yourself needs honest self‑questioning and accountability. Key Takeaway Practice regular self‑reflection. Themes self‑awareness personal growth authenticity Mood introspective thoughtful Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - therapy sessions - creative work - leadership decisions - personal journaling Key Concepts psychology mindfulness Questions to Reflect On - How often do you honestly question your motives? - What habits prevent you from self‑accountability? A Different Perspective Self‑reflection can be uncomfortable and may reveal painful truths. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Expression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expression/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self expression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-expression/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [It takes time to get a dance right, to create something memorable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred-astaire/it-takes-time-to-get-a-dance-right-to-create-something-memorable/) [Fred Astaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fred-astaire/) > [These days that wouldn't happen - waiting for the light to be exactly right. Because it takes time and time is money. And with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vilmos-zsigmond/these-days-that-wouldn-t-happen-waiting-for-the-light-to-be-exactly/) [Vilmos Zsigmond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vilmos-zsigmond/) > [If you want success, you have to work hard at it and realize that it takes time; it doesn't come to you overnight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vernon-davis/if-you-want-success-you-have-to-work-hard-at-it-and-realize-that-it/) [Vernon Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vernon-davis/) > [I'm not going to say paint is an easy spruce-up. It takes time, it needs touch-ups, and you have to be very methodical. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate-berkus/i-m-not-going-to-say-paint-is-an-easy-spruce-up-it-takes-time-it/) [Nate Berkus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate-berkus/) > [It takes time for people to get to know a cause or an organization.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hughes/it-takes-time-for-people-to-get-to-know-a-cause-or-an-organization/) [Chris Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hughes/) > [In the beginning I pushed toward perfection, but it takes time to get to certain places.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-wang/in-the-beginning-i-pushed-toward-perfection-but-it-takes-time-to-get/) [Alexander Wang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-wang/) > [It takes time to get the whole package. Freshmen can't be seniors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-leyland/it-takes-time-to-get-the-whole-package-freshmen-can-t-be-seniors/) [Jim Leyland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-leyland/) > [It takes time to become myself every morning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lady-gaga/it-takes-time-to-become-myself-every-morning/) [Lady Gaga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lady-gaga/) > [I’ve had so many knives stuck into me, when they hand me a flower I can’t quite make out what it is. It takes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-bukowski/i-ve-had-so-many-knives-stuck-into-me-when-they-hand-me-a-flower-i/) [Charles Bukowski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-bukowski/) > [It takes time to live. Like any work of art, life needs to be thought about.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-camus/it-takes-time-to-live-like-any-work-of-art-life-needs-to-be-thought/) [Albert Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-camus/) > [It takes time to really get to know someone. Take the time because in the early months of a relationship, both parties are in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanne-phillips/it-takes-time-to-really-get-to-know-someone-take-the-time-because-in/) [Jeanne Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanne-phillips/) > [It's hard to read real fiction. It takes time. It takes a sustained attention.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-busch/it-s-hard-to-read-real-fiction-it-takes-time-it-takes-a-sustained/) [Frederick Busch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-busch/) > [My experience in TV is that it takes time for shows to find their way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-kroll/my-experience-in-tv-is-that-it-takes-time-for-shows-to-find-their-way/) [Nick Kroll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-kroll/) > [It takes time to learn to draw. It takes years, not a few weeks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gilberto-hernandez-guerrero/it-takes-time-to-learn-to-draw-it-takes-years-not-a-few-weeks/) [Gilberto Hernandez Guerrero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gilberto-hernandez-guerrero/) > [It takes time to change established mindset. It is a difficult task. But we have five years. This is not about Modi... Modi is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/narendra-modi/it-takes-time-to-change-established-mindset-it-is-a-difficult-task/) [Narendra Modi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/narendra-modi/) ## More by John Leguizamo > [I had a whole new respect for directors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-had-a-whole-new-respect-for-directors/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I read that 36% of Latin kids drop out of high school, and we're the most bullied minority in schools right now. And my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-read-that-36-of-latin-kids-drop-out-of-high-school-and-we-re-the/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I was quiet a lot when I was picked on as a kid because I didn't have anything to say back.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-was-quiet-a-lot-when-i-was-picked-on-as-a-kid-because-i-didn-t-have/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I love independent films, it's the only place as an actor you're totally allowed to breathe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-love-independent-films-it-s-the-only-place-as-an-actor-you-re/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I love life, and I embrace every minute of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-love-life-and-i-embrace-every-minute-of-it/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I feel American comedy is a little too light. World cinema, and Latin cinema, is much more comfortable with darker emotions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-feel-american-comedy-is-a-little-too-light-world-cinema-and-latin/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I see the new Latin artist as a pioneer, opening up doors for others to follow. And when they don't open, we crowbar our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-see-the-new-latin-artist-as-a-pioneer-opening-up-doors-for-others/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I love what I do. I would hate to give it up. But if I could, I would run for office in Texas. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-love-what-i-do-i-would-hate-to-give-it-up-but-if-i-could-i-would/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [First I went to C.W. Post and I was a psychology and theater major and then I transferred to NYU's Tisch School of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/first-i-went-to-c-w-post-and-i-was-a-psychology-and-theater-major-and/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I like helping people achieve their dreams just like people helped me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-like-helping-people-achieve-their-dreams-just-like-people-helped-me/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [In theater, you can be free. That's how Lin-Manuel Miranda got to do the most revolutionary piece of theater with 'Hamilton': color-blind casting in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/in-theater-you-can-be-free-that-s-how-lin-manuel-miranda-got-to-do/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I love the power of theater. I think it's an experience you never forget.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-love-the-power-of-theater-i-think-it-s-an-experience-you-never/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [t is for me because I needed to do this. I really think actors shouldn't act unless they really need it in their lives.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/t-is-for-me-because-i-needed-to-do-this-i-really-think-actors-shouldn/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [I feel I don't get credit enough for it, the pioneering I did in comedy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/i-feel-i-don-t-get-credit-enough-for-it-the-pioneering-i-did-in-comedy/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) > [Why is the world that I see around me mixed, and why is the world I see in movies filled with all white people?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leguizamo/why-is-the-world-that-i-see-around-me-mixed-and-why-is-the-world-i/) [John Leguizamo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) [Explore all 142 John Leguizamo quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leguizamo/) ## More Expression quotes > [The sublime in art is the attempt to express the infinite without finding in the realm of phenomena any object which proves itself fitting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/the-sublime-in-art-is-the-attempt-to-express-the-infinite-without/) [Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/) > [“What does it mean to be a self-conscious animal? The idea is ludicrous, if it is not monstrous. It means to know that one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-becker/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-self-conscious-animal-the-idea-is-ludicrous/) [Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-becker/) > [Instead of asking a girl how she feels, try looking through her recently listened to songs. The lyrics are the answer to all your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/instead-of-asking-a-girl-how-she-feels-try-looking-through-her/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The concept of humanity is an especially useful ideological instrument of imperialist expansion, and in its ethical-humanitarian form it is a specific vehicle of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-schmitt/the-concept-of-humanity-is-an-especially-useful-ideological/) [Carl Schmitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-schmitt/) > [To evoke in oneself a feeling one has once experienced, and having evoked it in oneself, then by means of movements, lines, colors, sounds,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-tolstoy/to-evoke-in-oneself-a-feeling-one-has-once-experienced-and-having/) [Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-tolstoy/) > [Our fashion for us, it's an expression; first of all of life, I put all of myself in my fashion. Sometimes it's good, sometimes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stefano-gabbana/our-fashion-for-us-it-s-an-expression-first-of-all-of-life-i-put-all/) [Stefano Gabbana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stefano-gabbana/) > [We can see nothing whatever of the soul unless it is visible in the expression of the countenance; one might call the faces at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-c-lichtenberg/we-can-see-nothing-whatever-of-the-soul-unless-it-is-visible-in-the/) [Georg C. Lichtenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georg-c-lichtenberg/) > [Early experience shapes the structure and function of the brain. This reveals the fundamental way in which gene expression is determined by experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-j-siegel/early-experience-shapes-the-structure-and-function-of-the-brain-this/) [Daniel J. Siegel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-j-siegel/) > [Singing has always seemed to me the most perfect means of expression. It is so spontaneous. And after singing, I think the violin. Since…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georgia-o-keeffe/singing-has-always-seemed-to-me-the-most-perfect-means-of-expression/) [Georgia O'Keeffe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georgia-o-keeffe/) > [Every genuine expression of love grows out of a consistent and total surrender to God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/every-genuine-expression-of-love-grows-out-of-a-consistent-and-total/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [Nick looked vaguely homicidal, but that was sort of his default expression.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-rees-brennan/nick-looked-vaguely-homicidal-but-that-was-sort-of-his-default/) [Sarah Rees Brennan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-rees-brennan/) > [They are the gateway for our modern esthetic development, the prophets of the new time. They are most of all, the primitives of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marsden-hartley/they-are-the-gateway-for-our-modern-esthetic-development-the-prophets/) [Marsden Hartley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marsden-hartley/) > [The mountain receives our expressions and becomes part of us; we imprint our memories upon it and trust it with out dearest divisions of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-barcott/the-mountain-receives-our-expressions-and-becomes-part-of-us-we/) [Bruce Barcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-barcott/) > [In science, the most exciting expression isn’t ‘Eureka!’ It’s ‘Huh?’](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-hawley/in-science-the-most-exciting-expression-isn-t-eureka-it-s-huh/) Michael Hawley > [A commitment to lifelong learning is a natural expression of the practice of living consciously.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-branden/a-commitment-to-lifelong-learning-is-a-natural-expression-of-the/) [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) [Browse all 5,024 Expression quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expression/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It takes time to understand yourself, to go inside yourself and to question yourself and really take yourself to task. 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