Zora Neale Hurston was a famous American writer and anthropologist known for her powerful words and unique stories. She played a big role in the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African American artists were celebrated for their contributions to culture. Hurston’s quotes are filled with wisdom, humor, and inspiration. They often reflect her strong belief in the importance of self-identity and the beauty of life experiences.
Today, we will look at some of her most memorable quotes. These quotes show her views on love, community, and the strength of the human spirit. Whether you are familiar with her work or just learning about her, her words have the power to inspire and uplift.
Zora Neale Hurston Quotes
“I love myself when I am laughing. And then again when I am looking mean.” – Zora Neale Hurston
This quote reminds us to embrace every part of ourselves, both the joyful moments and those that may not seem as pleasant. We can find strength in our laughter and also in our fierce moments. By accepting all aspects of who we are, we gain confidence and authenticity. It’s a beautiful invitation to cherish our unique personalities and express our emotions freely.
“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Their eyes were watching God.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“What is so beautiful about a journey is that the past and future exist simultaneously.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I am not my thoughts; I am what I do.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I saw a man this morning who had a blind eye. It was the saddest thing I ever saw. I felt a great pity for him.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I cannot be a man. I cannot be a woman. But I can be all that I am.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The only thing that really belongs to you is your time.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Love is like the ocean: it’s never steady and always changing.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“You can’t be too careful. People aren’t always what they seem.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“You can’t pick cherries with your back to the tree.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The further we get from the past, the closer we are to the future.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I want a busy life, a just mind, and a timely death.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The crying is a moment, but the joy can last for days.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“You can’t play it safe and still live a full life.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The thing to do is to take a step forward.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I want to be a part of the in-crowd, but first I have to figure out who I am.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I would rather be a housemaid in a haunted house than a man’s overworked secretary.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Their lives were like a mere dream, I don’t know how they found a way to do what they did.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I found the best part of me in the old folks’ stories.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Nothing can be more beautiful than the love that comes from within you.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I am not a poet. But I write poetry because I am alive.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The mind is a powerful thing; it can create and destroy.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“You have to go to the places where you want to be.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Their eyes were watching God.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“If you don’t take the time to live your life, what is it worth?” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I will not be shackled by a tree of my own making.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Their lives were as simple as their dreams.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“I am a woman who has chosen to be happy and free.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“You don’t have to be a poet to write poetry.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Only the one who can take the risk can reap the harvest.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“The past is not a burden; it is a treasure.” – Zora Neale Hurston
“You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt, But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”