--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think people are afraid to be original." description: "\"I think people are afraid to be original.\" — Orson Bean" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg" --- # I think people are afraid to be original. ![“I think people are afraid to be original.” quote by Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg) > “I think people are afraid to be original.” [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often fear originality, preferring conformity over unique expression. **In simple terms:** Fear of being original leads to conformity. Key Takeaway Encourage authentic self‑expression. Themes creativity fear conformity Mood inspirational challenging Type motivational psychological When to use this quote - artistic work - team brainstorming - personal branding Key Concepts psychology social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - Why is originality intimidating? - How can you support originality in others? A Different Perspective Originality can be socially risky. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Afraid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/afraid/) [Afraid Original](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/afraid-original-4669710/) [Be original](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/be-original/) [Creativity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creativity/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [I think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-think/) [Original](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/original/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [People Afraid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people-afraid/) [Think People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think-people/) ## Related quotes > [We're all just cats trying to be original, which is what I think being a B-boy is about.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/we-re-all-just-cats-trying-to-be-original-which-is-what-i-think-being/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [“An original is worth more than a copy.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzy-kassem/an-original-is-worth-more-than-a-copy/) [Suzy Kassem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzy-kassem/) > [If 200 songs are coming every year, there should be a ratio that at least 150-180 songs should be original.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amaal-mallik/if-200-songs-are-coming-every-year-there-should-be-a-ratio-that-at/) [Amaal Mallik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amaal-mallik/) > [I think people are afraid to express their opinions half the time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mick-jagger/i-think-people-are-afraid-to-express-their-opinions-half-the-time/) [Mick Jagger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mick-jagger/) > [Ideas do not need to be esoteric to be original or exciting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-rand/ideas-do-not-need-to-be-esoteric-to-be-original-or-exciting/) [Paul Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-rand/) > [“Be yourself…and make the world adjust!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/be-yourself-and-make-the-world-adjust/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [Be original. That's my best advice. You're going to find that there's something that you do well, and try to do it with as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-seger/be-original-that-s-my-best-advice-you-re-going-to-find-that-there-s/) [Bob Seger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-seger/) > [“Originals cost more than imitations.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzy-kassem/originals-cost-more-than-imitations/) [Suzy Kassem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzy-kassem/) > [I love the idea of a tiny window between the back stoop and the pantry, where the milkman would pass through the cheese. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-van-allsburg/i-love-the-idea-of-a-tiny-window-between-the-back-stoop-and-the/) [Chris Van Allsburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-van-allsburg/) > [“if you are waiting for right excuse then it is good because some conclusions always are necessary for perfect life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-teris-bit-ns/if-you-are-waiting-for-right-excuse-then-it-is-good-because-some/) [Pēteris Bitāns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-teris-bit-ns/) > [“In a world chasing competition, build a space so original, comparison becomes impossible.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marion-bekoe/in-a-world-chasing-competition-build-a-space-so-original-comparison/) [Marion Bekoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marion-bekoe/) > [“Instead of focusing on the key responsibilities of the job, focus on how you can make a difference in the role if given the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/instead-of-focusing-on-the-key-responsibilities-of-the-job-focus-on/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [I don't really follow trends - I don't like wearing what other people are wearing. I just like to be original!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kylie-jenner/i-don-t-really-follow-trends-i-don-t-like-wearing-what-other-people/) [Kylie Jenner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kylie-jenner/) > [I hope that the things that I sing about will be an inspiration for people to be original.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/india-arie/i-hope-that-the-things-that-i-sing-about-will-be-an-inspiration-for/) [India Arie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/india-arie/) > [Always be original. Never duplicate what you've seen another actor do. Be true to the character that you've been given, and the rest will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-tamahori/always-be-original-never-duplicate-what-you-ve-seen-another-actor-do/) [Lee Tamahori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-tamahori/) ## More by Orson Bean > [Possessions can possess you. Even a lawn can possess you. It makes you buy a garden hose. Which makes you water. Which cuts into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/possessions-can-possess-you-even-a-lawn-can-possess-you-it-makes-you/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [One night in a club in Boston, I tried the name Roger Duck. No laughs. The next night, I tried Orson Bean, putting together…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/one-night-in-a-club-in-boston-i-tried-the-name-roger-duck-no-laughs/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [In the long period of time when I did talk shows and game shows, a whole new generation of people came along who thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/in-the-long-period-of-time-when-i-did-talk-shows-and-game-shows-a/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [I'm not a pessimist. I do believe that in some way we don't understand, God has a hand in things and it will all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-m-not-a-pessimist-i-do-believe-that-in-some-way-we-don-t-understand/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [What I learned at home was despair and hopelessness. What I learned at the pictures was don't give up the ship, we have only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/what-i-learned-at-home-was-despair-and-hopelessness-what-i-learned-at/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [Hollywood is very divisive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/hollywood-is-very-divisive/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [My wife and I sold our house New York and moved to Australia for a year; then we came back and spent almost three…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/my-wife-and-i-sold-our-house-new-york-and-moved-to-australia-for-a/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [What is it with me? I seem to be an incorrigible black-listee.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/what-is-it-with-me-i-seem-to-be-an-incorrigible-black-listee/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [I think America was a miracle. I think God loves this country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-think-america-was-a-miracle-i-think-god-loves-this-country/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [Left-wingers and right-wingers come together when they become extreme enough. The Nazi Party was called National Socialism, very similar to Stalin's Communism, with the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/left-wingers-and-right-wingers-come-together-when-they-become-extreme/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [I loved New York in the '50s.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-loved-new-york-in-the-50s/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [One of the things I'm proudest of, one year on my refrigerator, I taped a Christmas card from the Republican National Committee and season's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/one-of-the-things-i-m-proudest-of-one-year-on-my-refrigerator-i-taped/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [I never cared what anyone thought about me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-never-cared-what-anyone-thought-about-me/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [You know when I was a kid, I hated every day I was in school, from the kindergarten right through to my last day…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/you-know-when-i-was-a-kid-i-hated-every-day-i-was-in-school-from-the/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) > [TV has changed everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/tv-has-changed-everything/) [Orson Bean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) [Explore all 100 Orson Bean quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/) ## More Afraid quotes > [It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elmore-leonard/it-took-me-20-years-to-buy-an-electric-typewriter-because-i-was/) [Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elmore-leonard/) > [“Carrie Fisher. “Stay afraid, but do it anyway.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-union/carrie-fisher-stay-afraid-but-do-it-anyway/) [Gabrielle Union](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-union/) > [I used to be afraid of my temper, but it turns out I don't really have one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoe-bell/i-used-to-be-afraid-of-my-temper-but-it-turns-out-i-don-t-really-have/) [Zoe Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoe-bell/) > [I get afraid of the dark if I'm in a great deal of dark, and I have to move around inside of that fear...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-ferris/i-get-afraid-of-the-dark-if-i-m-in-a-great-deal-of-dark-and-i-have-to/) [Emil Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-ferris/) > [I am not afraid of praise, for I have practiced it on myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/i-am-not-afraid-of-praise-for-i-have-practiced-it-on-myself/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [I'm a pretty fearless person. I'm afraid of, like, creepy men in white vans and sidewalks with no streetlights. But I'm not afraid to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josie-totah/i-m-a-pretty-fearless-person-i-m-afraid-of-like-creepy-men-in-white/) [Josie Totah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josie-totah/) > [I will support my party when they are right on an issue, but am not afraid to stand up to party bosses who are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darlene-senger/i-will-support-my-party-when-they-are-right-on-an-issue-but-am-not/) [Darlene Senger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darlene-senger/) > [Why am I so afraid to loose you,when you're not even mine?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/why-am-i-so-afraid-to-loose-you-when-you-re-not-even-mine/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I want to tell you, but I cant, becuase I'm afraid if I do you'll never treat me same the again](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cristina-orante/i-want-to-tell-you-but-i-cant-becuase-i-m-afraid-if-i-do-you-ll-never/) [Cristina Orante](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cristina-orante/) > [Mistakes I've made in the past make me afraid to try new things in the future. I want to be perfect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-altucher/mistakes-i-ve-made-in-the-past-make-me-afraid-to-try-new-things-in/) [James Altucher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-altucher/) > [“Humans are naturally scared and confused beings. They not only fear the unknown, as they live fearing themselves... ☥”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luis-marques/humans-are-naturally-scared-and-confused-beings-they-not-only-fear/) [Luis Marques](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luis-marques/) > [If you are too afraid of failure, you cant possibly do what needs to be done to succeed in living a fulfilling life. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melchor-lim/if-you-are-too-afraid-of-failure-you-cant-possibly-do-what-needs-to/) [Melchor Lim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melchor-lim/) > [We cannot be afraid of the dark that they live in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/burnie-burns/we-cannot-be-afraid-of-the-dark-that-they-live-in/) [Burnie Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/burnie-burns/) > [“I think the reason we're cruel sometimes is that we're afraid we're going to like something.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-berg/i-think-the-reason-we-re-cruel-sometimes-is-that-we-re-afraid-we-re/) [Elizabeth Berg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-berg/) > [I'm still with that feeling that I am afraid of doing the wrong thing, because somebody is going to punish me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eartha-kitt/i-m-still-with-that-feeling-that-i-am-afraid-of-doing-the-wrong-thing/) [Eartha Kitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eartha-kitt/) [Browse all 5,519 Afraid quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/afraid/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I think people are afraid to be original.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Orson Bean" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Afraid" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0bd/orson-bean-5446_afraid_i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original_2174377.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I think people are afraid to be original.” — Orson Bean", "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": "Orson Bean", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-bean/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I think people are afraid to...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-bean/i-think-people-are-afraid-to-be-original/#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 } } ] } ```