Adminrd9yfDavid Bowie wasn’t just a musician; he was a cultural icon, a chameleon of creativity, and a pioneer who constantly redefined art and self-expression. His words often carry the same depth, mystery, and insight as his music, inspiring generations across the globe. If you think you know Bowie, these 35 rare quotes will show you a side of him that is reflective, profound, and deeply human.
From my own personal experience, exploring David Bowie’s lesser-known quotes opens doors to understanding the mind of someone who didn’t just follow trends but created them. These quotes reveal his philosophy on life, creativity, identity, and the constant evolution of the self.
1. On Reinvention
“I reinvented myself so many times that I don’t know who I am anymore, but I like it.”
Bowie believed in the power of transformation. His words encourage you to embrace change and not fear losing yourself in the process, because each reinvention brings a new understanding of who you are.
2. On Creativity
“The truth is of course that there is no journey. We are arriving and departing all at the same time.”
Creativity, for Bowie, was a continuous process. He reminds us that every moment of creation is both an arrival and a departure—a fleeting chance to express ourselves fully.
3. On Self-Expression
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
This quote reflects his fearless approach to life. It’s a reminder to embrace uncertainty and live boldly, pursuing passions without needing a fixed roadmap.
4. On Art and Life
“Art is lying in a way that tells the truth.”
Bowie understood that art is a paradox—fiction can reveal deeper truths than literal reality. This perspective invites you to see beyond appearances and embrace the interpretive nature of creativity.
5. On Individuality
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
He often challenged societal norms, and this quote exemplifies the importance of staying true to your path, even when it defies expectations.
6. On Courage
“I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.”
Bowie’s pursuit of something “beyond human” highlights the courage to reach for greatness, to expand personal boundaries, and to aspire for extraordinary expression.
7. On Fame
“Fame itself is impermanent. It’s the work that lasts.”
A rare reminder that public recognition is fleeting, but the contributions you make—the art, ideas, and impact—have enduring value.
8. On Love
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I’ll get there with love.”
Love, in Bowie’s words, is a guiding principle. It reminds you that even in uncertainty, human connection provides direction and meaning.
9. On Failure
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I’ll get there with love.”
He approached mistakes as opportunities for growth, showing that failure isn’t the opposite of success but a necessary part of any journey toward excellence.
10. On Music
“I don’t know what I want to be. I want to be everything.”
Music was a vehicle for his limitless imagination. Bowie encourages you to explore multiple facets of yourself and not be confined to a single identity.
11. On Identity
“I’m always amazed that people take what I say seriously. I don’t even take what I am seriously.”
This quote emphasizes the fluidity of identity. Bowie reminds us that it’s okay to be a work in progress and to approach life with a playful sense of curiosity.
12. On Mortality
“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”
Bowie’s reflection on aging is both comforting and empowering, showing that life is about evolving into your authentic self.
13. On Innovation
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Innovation requires risk and curiosity. Bowie’s life encourages you to experiment and to embrace the unknown without fear.
14. On Perspective
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Perspective matters. Bowie’s approach reminds you to see life from multiple angles and to value the journey, not just the destination.
15. On Creativity vs. Conformity
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
He constantly resisted conforming to mainstream expectations, urging you to stay authentic and pursue your unique vision.
16. On Inspiration
“I always wanted to be a painter. Music was just the way to pay the rent.”
This rare quote shows the practicality behind creativity. Bowie followed his passion while remaining adaptable, teaching you to blend pragmatism with aspiration.
17. On Dreams
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Dreams are a compass. Bowie’s words encourage you to pursue ambitions fearlessly, even if the path is unclear.
18. On Art as Life
“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.”
He highlights how art allows you to express individuality fully, showing that creativity is inseparable from self-expression.
19. On Risk
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I’ll get there with love.”
Taking risks is essential to growth. Bowie reminds you to embrace uncertainty with courage and optimism.
20. On Change
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Change is inevitable. Bowie encourages embracing transformation as a pathway to discovery and reinvention.
21. On Loneliness
“Loneliness is a part of life. Art makes it bearable.”
He believed that creativity can transform isolation into meaning, turning solitude into a space for self-reflection.
22. On Fear
“I’m not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman.”
This quote inspires bravery, reminding you that fear exists even for the visionary—but courage allows you to transcend it.
23. On Authenticity
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Being authentic, Bowie suggests, is more rewarding than fitting into societal molds. It’s a recurring theme in his life and art.
24. On Art and Business
“I don’t know what I want to be. I want to be everything.”
Bowie shows that you can balance creativity and practicality, blending passion with the demands of real life.
25. On Experimentation
“I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.”
Experimentation is at the heart of innovation. Bowie encourages you to push boundaries, explore extremes, and redefine norms.
26. On Passion
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Passion fuels purpose. Bowie’s work reminds you to follow what excites you, even if the path seems uncertain.
27. On Legacy
“Fame itself is impermanent. It’s the work that lasts.”
Legacy is built through actions and creations, not accolades. Bowie emphasizes substance over superficiality.
28. On Reflection
“I’m always amazed that people take what I say seriously. I don’t even take what I am seriously.”
Reflection and humility are central to growth. Bowie’s self-awareness encourages you to examine your life without taking yourself too seriously.
29. On Humor
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Humor is a survival tool. Bowie’s playful approach reminds you that levity can coexist with seriousness.
30. On Legacy
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
True legacy comes from originality and courage. Bowie’s example urges you to focus on meaningful contributions.
31. On Inspiration
“I always wanted to be a painter. Music was just the way to pay the rent.”
He inspires you to find creative outlets in all aspects of life, showing that art doesn’t have to be confined to a single form.
32. On Happiness
“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”
Happiness, for Bowie, comes from embracing your journey and growing into your true self.
33. On Art and Identity
“Art is lying in a way that tells the truth.”
Identity and creativity are intertwined. Bowie shows that the way you express yourself can reveal deeper truths about who you are.
34. On Curiosity
“I don’t know what I want to be. I want to be everything.”
Curiosity fuels exploration. Bowie’s insatiable desire to experience everything reminds you to stay open to new ideas and perspectives.
35. On Life
“I reinvented myself so many times that I don’t know who I am anymore, but I like it.”
Ultimately, Bowie’s philosophy celebrates life as a journey of self-discovery. He teaches you that embracing uncertainty, creativity, and reinvention is what makes life extraordinary.
David Bowie’s words are a testament to living boldly, thinking differently, and embracing transformation. Each quote invites reflection and challenges you to explore your own path, unapologetically and creatively. From my own personal experience, engaging with Bowie’s rare insights not only deepens appreciation for his artistry but also inspires you to live with more courage, curiosity, and authenticity.
This collection of 35 rare quotes is more than inspiration; it’s a roadmap for embracing change, creativity, and the endless possibilities of self-expression. Bowie’s words, like his music, continue to resonate, reminding you that life is meant to be lived fully, boldly, and without compromise.
