So early in my life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.

~ Malcolm X

Malcolm X Accomplishment Action Impetus Inspirational

While people argue with one another about the specifics of Freud's work and blame him for the prejudices of his time, they overlook the fundamental truth of his writing, his grand humility: that we frequently do not know our own motivations in life and are prisoners to what we cannot understand. We can recognize only a small fragment of our own, and an even smaller fragment of anyone else's, impetus.

~ Andrew Solomon

Andrew Solomon Freud Humility Impetus Motivations Prejudice Truth Understanding

They tell me to be quietWhen I’d rather cause a riotAnd have everyone screamingOut their eccentric meaning.

~ Initially No

Initially No Being Heard Eccentric Meaning Impetus Listening Neglect Poem Poetry Protest Riot Screaming Silence Stage Hogging Tell

Disgust with injustice may sharpen the desire for justice. Readers who don’t see this connection merely wish to be entertained, and I have neither skill nor desire to turn the agony of a people into entertainment.

~ Ayi Kwei Armah

Ayi Kwei Armah Africa Audience Impetus Justice

...[I]f I don't get going soon, the whole impetus may die---and if that happens, well, I really shall consider a long, restful plunge into insanity. Sometimes the abyss yawns very attractively.

~ Dodie Smith

Dodie Smith Impetus Insanity