Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
In plain words
Be a brilliant you instead of a second-rate copy of someone else.
Where these words come from
- 55% sureLots of sources credit Judy Garland with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- No primary Garland source; earliest citation a 1992 quote-book (posthumous), corroborated by her daughter's repeated attribution; Wikiquote lists it only via the 1992 compilation
More on individuality
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar WildeNot all who wander are lost.
J.R.R. Tolkien'Know thyself' was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, 'Be thyself' shall be written.Oscar WildeWe will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds.
Ralph Waldo EmersonThe imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity.Ralph Waldo EmersonIt takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.
Louisa May Alcott
Oscar WildeNot all who wander are lost.J.R.R. Tolkien'Know thyself' was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, 'Be thyself' shall be written.Oscar WildeWe will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds.Ralph Waldo EmersonThe imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity.Ralph Waldo EmersonIt takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.Louisa May AlcottMore history
See allIt does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao TzuIn the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.
RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus Aurelius
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuIn the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus Aurelius