Embrace Authenticity and Integrity – Toni Morrison
Created at: April 24, 2025

Do not bend; do not water down; do not try to make it logical. — Toni Morrison
Authenticity
Toni Morrison urges us to remain true to ourselves, without altering or diluting our essence to conform to others' expectations.
Integrity
The quote emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's values and beliefs, rather than compromising them for convenience or acceptance.
Resisting Conformity
By instructing not to 'bend' or 'water down,' Morrison warns against yielding to societal pressures that might force us to change who we are.
Embracing Complexity
Not trying to 'make it logical' suggests that not everything has to fit neatly into reason or logic; some aspects of life and identity may be inherently complex or illogical.
Creative and Personal Expression
The quote encourages embracing uniqueness and full self-expression, particularly in art, literature, and life decisions, even if they challenge conventional thinking.