Sure I think it is healthy to speak the truth, and be who you
Sure I think it is healthy to speak the truth, and be who you are, and be proud of that.
Hear the candid words of Nathan Lane, who declared with the strength of one who has wrestled with shadows and come into light: “Sure I think it is healthy to speak the truth, and be who you are, and be proud of that.” This is not merely advice, but a hymn to the human soul. For too often, men and women cloak themselves in masks, hiding their true selves out of fear—fear of judgment, fear of rejection, fear of shame. Yet Lane’s wisdom reminds us that health, both of body and spirit, blossoms only when one casts off the disguise and breathes the pure air of truth.
The ancients, too, cherished this lesson. The Delphic oracle carved upon the temple of Apollo the words: “Know thyself.” But knowledge alone is not enough—it must be joined with courage, the courage to live openly as the one you truly are. To know yourself but to hide it is to imprison the soul. To know yourself and speak it, to live it, to take pride in it—that is freedom, and freedom is health. Lane’s words carry this ancient flame, urging us not only to acknowledge truth but to wear it proudly as a crown.
History bears witness to the suffering of those who denied themselves for too long. Think of Oscar Wilde, the great wit of the nineteenth century, who lived in a society that condemned his love and mocked his truth. For a time he wore the mask society demanded, but when he dared to live openly, the world crushed him with scorn and prison. Yet though his body suffered, his spirit shone, and history has judged him not by his shame but by his courage. Lane’s words stand as an echo of this lesson: to speak the truth of who you are is costly, but silence is costlier still.
And let us remember Rosa Parks, whose act of truth was not about private identity but about human dignity. When she refused to surrender her seat, she was not pretending, she was not concealing—she was being wholly herself, proud and unbending. Her simple act of authenticity ignited a movement that shook the foundations of oppression. The lesson is the same: when a soul stands proudly in truth, even quietly, the world cannot remain the same.
Children of tomorrow, do not despise who you are. Do not bend your truth to fit the narrow vessels others would force upon you. The health of your soul depends on your honesty; the pride of your heart depends on your acceptance of self. If you live by deception, you will walk burdened and weary, but if you live by truth, though storms may rage, your spirit will remain whole, unbroken, and alive.
The lesson is clear: embrace your truth, and speak it. Be not ashamed of the quirks, the scars, the loves, and the passions that shape your being. Let your voice declare your identity with gentleness when possible, with firmness when necessary, and with pride always. For in doing so, you will inspire others to cast off their chains and breathe freely as well.
Practical steps are before you: confess who you are to yourself first, then to those you trust, then to the world. Celebrate the victories of authenticity in others. Defend the right of every soul to live in truth, even when their truth is not your own. And when shame whispers to hide, answer with pride, for pride is not arrogance but the declaration that you are worthy as you are.
So let Nathan Lane’s words echo within you: “It is healthy to speak the truth, and be who you are, and be proud of that.” Let this be your shield against fear, your torch against darkness. For only when truth is spoken and lived proudly does the human spirit become whole, and only then can we truly say we are free.
YLNguyen Yen Linh
This quote reminds me of how we often hold back parts of ourselves due to fear of judgment. I completely agree with Nathan Lane that it’s healthy to embrace who we are, but can that pride sometimes be misunderstood? In a world where people sometimes judge others harshly for their differences, how do we navigate the line between being authentic and protecting ourselves from criticism? Is true self-acceptance always met with approval?
TTNguyen Thuy Tram
I agree with Nathan Lane that being true to ourselves is incredibly healthy. But it also brings up the question: is there ever a moment when speaking the truth isn’t the right choice? There are times when honesty can feel like a burden or disrupt peace. Is it possible to be proud of who we are while balancing the complexities of relationships and situations where truth might feel uncomfortable or inappropriate?
LVChau Hoang Le Vy
Nathan Lane’s words are a reminder of the power of honesty and self-acceptance. It’s so much easier to pretend to be someone we’re not to fit in. But when we’re proud of who we are, that confidence comes from within. Does this mean that the challenges we face in accepting ourselves are rooted in external pressures? How do we build the strength to speak our truth in a world that often pushes conformity over individuality?
TLHa thanh lam
I love the message of embracing who we are and speaking the truth. It’s something I believe in strongly, but is it always easy to practice? In a world where people often hide behind facades or feel pressure to conform, how do we find the courage to be completely honest and proud of ourselves? Is there ever a time when speaking the truth becomes harmful or unnecessary for our own well-being or relationships?
Llinh
Nathan Lane’s quote speaks to the importance of authenticity and self-expression. It feels empowering to hear that speaking the truth and being true to who you are is healthy. But I wonder, does this always apply in every situation? Sometimes being completely honest can be difficult, especially when the truth might hurt others. Can being proud of who we are still be considered healthy when it challenges societal expectations or norms?