I'm a human being. I've got opinions, I'm not always right, I'm

The words of Kanye West, “I’m a human being. I’ve got opinions, I’m not always right, I’m not always on time, I don’t always say things in the proper way, but my intentions are always extremely pure,” resound with the cry of one who knows both the frailty and the fire of human existence. In this quote, Kanye confesses the imperfection of his outer form—his words, his timing, his choices—but declares the incorruptible flame that burns within: the purity of intention. It is the eternal paradox of humankind, that though our actions falter, the heart may yet be clean, and though our expressions stumble, the soul may yet shine with truth.

The origin of these words lies in Kanye’s long and tumultuous career as an artist who has often walked at the edge of controversy. His voice has stirred admiration and anger alike, for he speaks without filter, unwilling to hide behind carefully crafted masks. Yet in this quote, he bares a more vulnerable side, acknowledging that though he may err in speech or conduct, he is guided by sincerity. These words come not from arrogance, but from the recognition that to be human is to be flawed, and yet to strive for purity of purpose in the midst of imperfection.

The ancients, too, spoke often of this balance. Marcus Aurelius, emperor and philosopher, wrote that a man may stumble in word or deed, yet if his heart is set upon justice and goodness, he remains noble. Likewise, Confucius taught that while the gentleman may err, his heart is ever directed toward the good. Kanye’s words join this lineage: they remind us that to be human is not to achieve perfection, but to seek goodness sincerely, even if one’s steps falter along the way.

History offers us vivid examples of this truth. Consider Abraham Lincoln, often awkward in speech, mocked for his rough manner, and misunderstood by many. Yet his intentions—unity, freedom, and justice—burned so purely that they guided a nation through its darkest hour. Though his words were sometimes unrefined, though his judgments were questioned, history remembers him not for his imperfections, but for the purity of his vision. In the same way, Kanye’s statement points us toward this lesson: the imperfections of form matter less than the intention of the heart.

The meaning of the quote extends beyond the life of one artist. It is the reminder that all men and women carry flaws in their words and deeds, yet their worth is found in the compass of their intentions. To speak wrongly is forgivable if the heart meant well; to act imperfectly is redeemable if the soul sought good. But to have polished words with corrupt intent, or flawless actions with selfish purpose, is to fail more deeply than any misstep of speech or time. Intentions are the roots, and actions are the branches; if the root is pure, the tree may yet bear fruit, even if battered by the storm.

The lesson for us is this: do not hide from your humanity, nor despair at your flaws. Instead, keep your intentions pure, for from them all else flows. Speak honestly, even if clumsy; act boldly, even if imperfect; live sincerely, even if misunderstood. The world does not need perfection—it needs authenticity, hearts that strive for good despite their failings.

Practical action lies within reach. Each day, before speaking or acting, pause to examine your intent. Ask not, “Will this make me look wise?” or “Will this make me admired?” but, “Is my intention true? Is it rooted in kindness, in honesty, in justice?” If it is, then proceed, and trust that even your errors will teach others. And when you fail, as all humans do, confess your imperfection, but hold fast to the purity of your heart.

Thus, in the voice of the ancients, we proclaim: Blessed are those who are flawed in word but pure in heart, for their lives will shine more brightly than those who are flawless in speech but empty in soul. Blessed are those who dare to be human, for they walk the path of truth. And let us remember the wisdom of Kanye West: that though we stumble in our words and ways, the purity of our intentions can yet make us whole.