Zora Neale Hurston was an American author, anthropologist, and folklorist who is best known for her novel, ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God.’ She was a passionate advocate of black culture and a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout her career, she wrote insightful and thought-provoking quotes on topics such as race, identity, and self-expression. Her words continue to inspire readers to this day.”I do not weep at the world, I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.” – Zora Neale Hurston
Famous Zora Neale Hurston Quotes
Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent African-American novelist and folklorist who was renowned for her unique insights into the Black experience during the Harlem Renaissance. Her works explored themes of race, gender, sexuality, and identity, and she has become one of the most influential African-American authors of the 20th century. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
“I do not weep at the world; I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.”
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
“Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company?”
“I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes.”
“I love myself when I am laughing…and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.”
“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
“There is something about poverty that smells like death.”
Zora Neale Hurston’s words continue to inspire people around the world to this day. Her quotes remind us to never give up on ourselves or our dreams despite what life throws at us. They also provide invaluable insight into how we can better understand ourselves and those around us.
Zora Neale Hurston Quotes on Love
Love is at the root of all life, and it is only with an understanding heart that we can truly appreciate its beauty. Zora Neale Hurston, an American author and anthropologist, had a deep understanding of human nature and used her words to express the power of love. Here are some of her most inspiring quotes about love.
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.”
Hurston’s words remind us that love has the power to bring us out of our shells and make us feel alive. No matter how hard life gets, or how difficult it may seem to connect with others, we can find comfort in the knowledge that love can bring us back to life.
“Love makes your soul come alive.”
This quote speaks to the transformative power of love. When we open our hearts to someone else’s love, it can give us a new lease on life and help us discover ourselves in ways we never thought possible.
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
Hurston reminds us that there is strength in speaking up about our pain, even when it feels like nobody is listening. Love can give us the courage to speak our truth and stand up for ourselves, no matter what anyone else says or does.
“Love is never any better than the lover.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-love. We cannot expect to receive unconditional love from those around us if we don’t first learn how to unconditionally love ourselves. Loving ourselves will not only make us better partners but also help us build stronger relationships with those around us.
Zora Neale Hurston Quotes
Zora Neale Hurston was an iconic novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist who had a prodigious influence on American literature. Her unique voice spoke volumes about the struggles of African-Americans in the early 20th century. She was a pioneering figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement and her works remain a source of inspiration to many. Here are some of her most inspirational quotes:
“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
“Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company?”
“I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all.”
“I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all.”
“In every shade of black there is light and beauty.”
“Life is meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”
“I love myself when I am laughing…and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.”
Zora Neale Hurston Quotes about Women
Zora Neale Hurston was an author, anthropologist, and a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. She was also a feminist who championed the rights of all women. Her quotes on the subject of womanhood are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Here are some of her most memorable quotes about women:
“Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others.”
“When I strive to be better than I am, everything around me becomes better too.”
“It is given to us to know that beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, but rather a heart enflamed and a soul enchanted.”
“I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all.”
“Women make themselves smaller so that men can feel bigger.”
“The Negro woman must not be content with being just ladylike; she must develop her resources and push her opportunities as far as possible without interference from anyone.”
“I love myself when I am laughing…and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.”
Zora Neale Hurston Quotes about Writing
Writing is a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings. Zora Neale Hurston was an American folklorist, author and anthropologist who wrote about the African-American experience in the early 20th century. Her writings are still influential to this day, and here are some of her inspiring quotes about writing:
“There is something about the rhythm of my own pen that sets my spirit free.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The more I write, the more I realize that I must create out of my own experience. So much has been said before that it’s hard to find a new phrase.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I love to write when I can pour out all that is in my heart freely without fear or shame.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Writing has become the means of self-expression for me, and it helps me to better understand myself as well as others.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I write with passion because it allows me to express emotions that I cannot always find words for.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I find writing therapeutic; it helps me make sense of things and process my emotions in a tangible way.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Writing is a way of life for me; it allows me to explore new ideas and share them with others.” – Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston Quotes about Race
Zora Neale Hurston was a celebrated author, anthropologist, and civil rights activist who was influential in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s. Hurston was also a staunch advocate for racial equality and her work has inspired generations of activists. She famously said: “I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.” Here are some other inspiring quotes from Hurston about race:
“It is certain that the world would look upon the race question differently if all men were given an equal chance to show what they could do on a level playing field.”
“We must scorn the myth of racial superiority and inferiority and recognize that each race contributes its own special gifts to civilization. We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.”
“The only thing that colors my thinking is my own skin color, but I refuse to be classified by it. I am too big for that box.”
“I do not belong to any race, for I am an individual first and foremost. My identity is one of my own making, not one dictated by society or enforced by laws or tradition.”
“Racism is a man-made invention used to justify oppression, discrimination, hatred, violence, and even genocide. We must learn to recognize it as such and reject it in all its forms wherever we find it in our lives and in the world around us.”
Uplifting Zora Neale Hurston Quotes
Zora Neale Hurston was an American author and anthropologist who wrote during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her unique writing style, which often included elements of folklore and humor. Hurston’s work has been admired by authors, scholars, and critics alike for its insight into African-American culture. Her quotes have served as a source of inspiration for many people, and here are some of her most uplifting quotes.
“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”
This quote speaks to the idea that life is a journey with its own set of ups and downs, but with each experience comes growth and understanding. Life is not always easy or straightforward, but it is a process that can bring great rewards if we remain open to learning from our mistakes.
“I love myself when I am laughing…and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.”
This quote speaks to the idea that we all have different sides to our personality, and it is important to embrace both in order to be true to ourselves. We should not be afraid to show our joy or our strength, as both are important parts of who we are.
“My thoughts began to flow like rivers whose sources were in heaven.”
This quote speaks to the idea that creativity can come from within us if we allow it space to grow. We should not be afraid to explore our own ideas, dreams, and aspirations; there are often untapped resources available within each one of us if we take the time to look for them.
“Sometimes I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company?”
This quote speaks to the idea that individual worth has nothing to do with how society sees us or treats us; instead, it lies within ourselves and how we see ourselves. No matter what anyone else says or does, our personal worth should never be diminished because it is something only we can decide for ourselves.
Conclusion
Zora Neale Hurston’s quotes are an inspiring reminder of the importance of self-expression and personal truth. Her words provide a source of strength for many as they find their own paths in life and strive to realize their individual potentials. Hurston was a leader in her own right, breaking barriers and speaking out on the issues that mattered to her. Her quotes continue to remind us about the power of our voices, and how we can use them to create change, even when it seems impossible.
Her legacy still lives on today, through the works she wrote and the words she spoke that continue to resonate with so many people. As we move forward in a world that is constantly changing, it is important to remember her words of wisdom and use them as a guide in our own lives. By following her example, we can continue to fight for what we believe in and make a difference in our world.