Sober up, and you see and hear everything you'd been able to avoid hearing before.
Sammy Davis, Jr.Read
What have I got? No looks, no money, no education. Just talent.
Interpretation
Talent can be more valuable than material possessions or traditional advantages.
In this quote, Sammy Davis Jr. emphasizes the idea that personal talent and ability can be more significant than conventional markers of success such as wealth, appearance, or formal education. It underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing one's innate skills as a means to achieve one's goals in life.
In practice
In a motivational speech to aspiring artists, this quote can inspire them to focus on their unique talents.
Sober up, and you see and hear everything you'd been able to avoid hearing before.
I'd learned a lot in the Army. I knew that above all things in the world I had to become so big, so strong that people and their hatred could never touch me.
Reality is never as bad as a nightmare, as the mental tortures we inflict on ourselves.
May was young and beautiful, we were legally married, but she was caught in the prison of my skin.
The success of the Rat Pack or the Clan was due to the camaraderie, the three guys who work together and kid each other and love each other.
I have a respect for Elvis and my friendship. It ain't my business what he did in private. The only thing I want to know is, 'Was he my friend?', 'Did I enjoy him as a performer?', 'Did he give the world of entertainment something?' - and the answer is YES on all accounts. The other jazz just don't matter.
You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
The pursuit of excellence is less profitable than the pursuit of bigness, but it can be more satisfying.
To be able to give away riches is mandatory if you wish to possess them. This is the only way that you will be truly rich.
When I go in to see people - and I sell an occasional ad now - I never say, 'Help me because I am black' or 'Help me because I am a minority.' I always talk about what we can do for them.
For a long time, I'd work until 10 or 11. When I work, I'm on. I'm 'Magic.' I love it, but it takes a lot out of me.
Glory is a heavy burden, a murdering poison, and to bear it is an art. And to have that art is rare.
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