"The fact of the matter is, you don't give up what's natural. Anything I've fantasized about, I've done"
About this Quote
In this quote, Ray Charles is expressing a philosophy of authenticity and the pursuit of one's desires. The first part, "The fact of the matter is, you do not quit what's natural", suggests a deep belief in remaining real to one's intrinsic nature and impulses. Charles suggests that there is a value, maybe even a need, in acknowledging and accepting what is naturally a part of us. This could be describing characteristics, skills, desires, or even dreams that define our real selves. In a broader sense, it talks to the human experience of grappling with societal pressures that frequently encourage conformity, which can often lead people to reduce their true nature in pursuit of acceptance or success.
Charles's statement might also show his personal journey as an artist who thrived over fantastic adversity, including loss of sight and racial barriers, to end up being a music legend. His life and career were identified by a rejection to comply with restrictive norms, whether they included musical categories or social expectations. This part of the quote can be viewed as a support to honor and cultivate one's innate gifts and passions, to live a life that is authentically one's own.
The second part of the quote, "Anything I've fantasized about, I've done", speaks with the satisfaction of dreams and desires. It communicates a personal values of valiancy and determination. By saying he has actually achieved his fantasies, Charles indicates a life lived with nerve and commitment to actualizing one's visions. This component of the quote can serve as motivation for individual empowerment. It recommends that with enough decision and guts, it is possible to turn one's dreams into reality, highlighting the significance of taking risks and pursuing one's dreams without doubt.
Together, these parts of the quote encapsulate a message of living authentically and actively, motivating people to embrace and act upon their intrinsic desires while acknowledging the power and potential within them to bring those desires to fruition.
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