[Speaking] is never without fear; of visibility, of the harsh light of scrutiny and perhaps judgment, of pain, of death. But we have lived through all of those already, in silence, except death. And I remind myself all the time now, that if I were to have been born mute, and had maintained an oath of silence my whole life for safety, I would still have suffered, and I would still die.
Interpretation
Speaking carries inherent fears, yet silence leads to suffering too.
Audre Lorde's quote emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself despite the fears and judgments that may accompany speaking out. She reflects on the harsh realities of life, suggesting that avoiding expression to escape scrutiny ultimately results in suffering, highlighting that whether voicing thoughts or remaining silent, pain and mortality are universal experiences.
In practice
This quote can inspire individuals in a motivational speech about overcoming fears of public speaking.
The fact that we are here and that I speak these words is an attempt to break that silence and bridge some of those differences between us, for it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken.
There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.
There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.
I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.
I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.
There's always someone asking you to underline one piece of yourself - whether it's Black, woman, mother, dyke, teacher, etc. - because that's the piece that they need to key in to. They want to dismiss everything else.
Frodo: Go back, Sam! Iβm going to Mordor alone. Sam: Of course you are, and Iβm coming with you!
We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed we must bear the present evils and fortitude
Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation.
The gallantry and aggressive fighting spirit of the Russian soldiers command the American army's admiration.
If this be treason, make the most of it!
Courage is indispensible because in politics not life but the world is at stake.
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