About this quote

Polite society loves to police how we express ourselves, often labeling raw honesty as offensive. But trying to please every critic only dilutes your unique voice until there is nothing left. Why should you let someone else's fragile sensibilities dictate your creative output? Stand behind your work, even when it gets messy or makes people uncomfortable. True expression requires a thick skin and a total lack of apology.

When to use it

• A graphic designer gets pushback from a conservative client about using a bold, gritty style. They tell their partner, 'If I water this down, the whole campaign becomes boring, so I am keeping the original concept.'
• An aspiring novelist is told by a family member that their dialogue has too much profanity. They reply, 'That is how people actually speak in the real world, and I am not sanitizing my characters to make you comfortable.'
• A startup founder is prepping a pitch and is advised to tone down their blunt, passionate language. They decide, 'My raw passion is what gets people excited, so I will speak my mind and let the chips fall where they may.'