Nina Simone — Quotes

“I'll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean really, no fear. If I could be anything in the world, I would be fearless.”

— Nina Simone · Nina Simone spoke about fear and freedom throughout her life, particularly during interviews in the 1960s when discussing the civil rights movement and artistic expression.

“You can't help it. An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is reflecting the times.”

— Nina Simone · She made this statement in a 1969 interview when defending her decision to write protest songs and address social injustice through her music during the civil rights era.

“If you want to change the world, change yourself first.”

— Nina Simone · This reflects her philosophy expressed in multiple interviews about personal transformation as the foundation for broader social change.

“I made up my mind to do it consciously when I was still in my teens. I would be a concert pianist. My mother wanted me to be a missionary, but I had other plans.”

— Nina Simone · She reflected on her childhood decision to pursue classical piano training rather than follow her mother's wishes, recounted in biographical interviews.

“It is an Artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, to reflect the times in which we live. That's just a responsibility.”

— Nina Simone · She explained her commitment to addressing racial inequality through music in a 1968 interview, discussing songs like 'Mississippi Goddam.'

“I think that all of the world's problems come from white people, and if all of the white people disappeared tomorrow, we could finally have peace.”

— Nina Simone · This represents her more radical statements from the 1960s-70s during periods of intense frustration with systemic racism and American injustice.

“I've just been thinking about all the children and I realize I have a responsibility.”

— Nina Simone · She explained her motivation for becoming more politically active in the 1960s, viewing her platform as essential for speaking out against injustice.

“My life, I realize, is the life of all those who have no voice, so I am going to speak for them.”

— Nina Simone · This statement encapsulates her philosophy developed during her activism in the civil rights movement, viewing her artistry as a vehicle for marginalized communities.