"About all you can do in life is be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all."
About Rita Mae Brown
Rita Mae Brown — Life and Legacy
Rita Mae Brown is a prominent American author and activist, best known for her influential novel 'Rubyfruit Jungle,' which challenged societal norms surrounding sexuality and identity. Her work often delves into the complexities of love, self-acceptance, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Brown's quote, 'The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself,' encapsulates her belief in the necessity of authenticity over societal approval. This perspective is a recurring theme in her writing, where she advocates for embracing one's true self despite external pressures. Brown's exploration of identity is particularly poignant in her discussions about the experiences of women and the LGBTQ+ community. Her assertion that 'You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you' highlights the transformative power of adversity, suggesting that true courage is born from overcoming challenges. This idea resonates deeply with readers who find themselves navigating their own struggles in a conformist society. Today, Rita Mae Brown's quotes and ideas continue to inspire individuals seeking to understand their identities and advocate for equality. Her fearless approach to discussing love and personal truth remains relevant, encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal expectations.
Quote collection
Rita Mae Brown quotes (page 1 of 13)
242 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you."
"Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work."
"Normal is the average of deviance."
"You sell a screenplay like you sell a car. If someone drives it off a cliff, that's it."
"One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory."
"Leroy bet me I couldn't find a pot of gold at the end, and I told him that was a stupid bet because the rainbow was enough."
"I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude has finally conquered the loss."
"While the angels, all pallid and wan, Uprising, unveiling, affirm That the play is the tragedy, "Man", And its hero the Conqueror Worm."
"When I got [my] library card, that was when my life began."
"Virginia Woolf said that writers must be androgynous. I'll go a step further. You must be bisexual."
"I believe you are your work. Don't trade the stuff of your life, time, for nothing more than dollars. That's a rotten bargain."
"Morals are private. Decency is public."
"The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself."
"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."
"Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself."
"Happiness is pretty simple: someone to love, something to do, something to look forward to."
"If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done."
"Women who love women are Lesbians. Men, because they can only think of women in sexual terms, define Lesbian as sex between women."
"A deadline is negative inspiration. Still, it's better than no inspiration at all."