Being original is an important part of being authentic. When you decide to be your original self and stop imitating others, you allow your true self to shine. There’s only one version of you, and your combination of characteristics and talents make you unique. The world needs what you have to offer, so here are 30 quotes about originality to remind you of your uniqueness!
Why does originality matter?
It’s so easy to look to others for inspiration and motivation, but if we’re not careful, we might end up trying to imitate them rather than being true to ourselves.
In a world of social media, it’s so easy to get caught up in the lives of people we’ve never even met. We might try to create a life exactly like those we see on our screens, all whilst ignoring our own desires and feelings.
This is a slippery slope, and before we know it, we are living a life that feels hollow. It may look good from the outside, but on the inside, it’s not what we actually want.
This is why originality matters. You are an individual, with your own set of dreams, desires, and hopes. When we actually connect with what these are, we are able to create a much more fulfilling life for ourselves.
Originality also matters because we all have something unique to contribute to the world. Who knows what you’re capable of creating when you stop trying to imitate others?
Read on for the most thought-provoking quotes about originality. Let these quotes inspire you when you need a boost of self-confidence.
Quotes about originality
- “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” – Herman Melville
- “All good things which exist are the fruits of originality.” – John Stuart Mill
- “Originality implies being bold enough to go beyond accepted norms.” – Anthony Storr
- “Originality does not consist in saying what no one has ever said before, but in saying exactly what you think yourself.” – James Stephens
- “I always try to improve, to find new ways of expressing myself, to keep looking for truth and originality.” – Burt Lancaster
- “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 much originality as you can, and don’t skimp on the words. Work on the words.” – Bob Seger
- “I stay true to myself and my style, and I am always pushing myself to be aware of that and be original.” – Aaliyah
- “Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” – C. S. Lewis
- “Creativity is the process of having original ideas that have value. It is a process; it’s not random.” – Ken Robinson
- “If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself.” – Rollo May
Quotes about authenticity
- “The authentic self is the soul made visible.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
- “Don’t worry about what’s cool and what’s not cool. Authenticity is what’s cool.” – Zac Posen
- “I know of nothing more valuable, when it comes to the all-important virtue of authenticity, than simply being who you are.” – Charles R. Swindoll
- “I believe in tradition and innovation, authenticity and passion.” – Jose Andres
- “If you think dealing with issues like worthiness and authenticity and vulnerability are not worthwhile because there are more pressing issues, like the bottom line or attendance or standardized test scores, you are sadly, sadly mistaken. It underpins everything.” – Brene Brown
- “We need to find the courage to say no to the things and people that are not serving us if we want to rediscover ourselves and live our lives with authenticity.” – Barbara De Angelis
- “Enlightenment is the key to everything, and it is the key to intimacy, because it is the goal of true authenticity.” – Marianne Williamson
- “Young people are craving something real, craving authenticity.” – Elaine Welteroth
- “Our generation, I think, has a demand for authenticity that exceeds any prior generation.” – Matt Gaetz
- “It’s hard to practice compassion when we’re struggling with our authenticity or when our own worthiness is off-balance.” – Brene Brown
Quotes about ideas and inventions
- “Wealth flows from energy and ideas.” – William Feather
- “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay
- “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams
- “One rule of invention: before you can invent it, you have to imagine it.” – James Gunn
- “I like to think of ideas as potential energy. They’re really wonderful, but nothing will happen until we risk putting them into action.” – Mae Jemison
- “As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “We have a powerful potential in out youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” – Mary McLeod Bethune
- “Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.” – Charles Kettering
- “Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.” – Georg C. Lichtenberg
- “If I have a thousand ideas and only one turns out to be good, I am satisfied.” – Alfred Nobel
How to use quotes about originality
You’ve read the quotes and you’re feeling more inspired than ever. Now what? Here are a number of ways in which you can use quotes to keep you motivated.
- Write them in your journal. If you’re a fan of journaling, adding quotes about originality to your planner or bullet journal is a great way to be reminded of them often. Plus, they will make your planner look good.
- Place them on sticky notes around your house. Choose your favorite quotes and place them in noticeable places around your house. Popular places include on the fridge door, or even on your desk.
- Set them as your phone or computer wallpaper. Every time you use your device, you’ll be reminded of your desire to be original and act with authenticity. It’s an excellent way to stay focused on what matters to you.
- Send them to a loved one or friend. Did you discover some quotes that you know your friends or loved ones will appreciate? Send them across to help brighten their day.
Final thoughts
It’s not always easy to act with authenticity and originality, but it’s something we should aim to include more of in our life. Use these quotes about originality to remind you of your own brilliance and potential.
Focus on yourself and your own creations, and let go of the need to imitate others. As Oscar Wilde famously said, “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”