Famous Zora Neale Hurston Quotes

Zora Neale Hurston was a luminary of the Harlem Renaissance whose contributions to American literature cannot be ignored. You’ll discover how insightful she was in this collection of famous Zora Neale Hurston quotes.

The words Hurston penned, drawn from novels, essays, and personal writings, convey timeless insight into love, identity, and the human spirit. These inspirational quotes and sayings demonstrate her accomplishments as a literary genius.

However, despite her brilliance, her work was largely forgotten later. It was only after her death that her work was recognized and celebrated. Zora Neale Hurston deserved better than that, didn’t she?

In exploring Hurston’s powerful words, we acknowledge a voice that challenged societal norms and championed African American culture.

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Famous Zora Neale Hurston Quotes

Hurston is exceptional at finding beauty and meaning in everyday moments. Her keen eye for detail and extensive experience inspire us to see things differently. We all have a chance to discover something new daily, and our struggles and triumphs are all part of a larger, beautiful story. Her words remind us of that.

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“Their Eyes Were Watching God”

This famous novel contains some of Hurston’s most profound insights into life, love, and human nature. Here are some of its most memorable lines.

There are years that ask questions and years that answer.
-Zora Neale Hurston

We all go through times when everything feels up in the air. Questions swirl around us like leaves in the wind, and we don’t know where to turn. It’s hard to cope with these years of uncertainty, but they shape us in ways we can’t yet see.

Suddenly, almost imperceptibly, the tides shift. We begin to see answers to all those burning questions, one by one. The fog starts to clear, and we suddenly await a year of answers.

In a way, it seems the universe has silently orchestrated this moment of clarity behind the scenes. This line reminds us that life doesn’t always follow a straight path.

Never think of those questioning years as wasted time because, in reality, they push us to dig deeper and reach higher. We’re forced to challenge our old beliefs and imagine new possibilities. When understanding finally dawns, it feels all the sweeter because we’ve wrestled with the unknown.

This back-and-forth between seeking and finding is what makes life rich and meaningful. It mirrors the natural world Hurston wrote about so beautifully.

Just as the seasons change, we, too, move through cycles of growth and rest, confusion and clarity.

Some people could look at a mud puddle and see an ocean with ships.
-Zora Neale Hurston

Talk about the power of imagination! This one captures how some people can transform the mundane into something magical.

Picture a simple mud puddle. Most might step around it, but others see an ocean filled with grand ships and endless possibilities. That’s the kind of vision that can change everything.

Our kids have this unique ability, too. We can help them nurture it by encouraging them to see the world with fresh eyes. They might envision a spaceship ready for intergalactic adventures when they see a cardboard box. A simple stick could become a powerful magic wand in their hands.

Now, this isn’t just about playtime fantasies. Developing this mindset helps kids tackle problems creatively and dream up innovative ideas.

So, how can we help our kids tap into this superpower?

Encourage them to use their imagination in everyday situations. Try asking them what shapes they see in the clouds or what stories they can invent about people walking by.

When they face challenges, guide them to look at the situation from different angles. They might turn that mud puddle of a problem into an ocean of opportunity!

An envious heart makes a treacherous ear.
-Zora Neale Hurston

Jealousy can warp our perception of reality. We may twist what we hear to fit our negative mindset.

This saying is what we need to prevent that from happening. We must be aware of our emotions when listening to others. Are we genuinely hearing what they’re saying, or are we letting our insecurities cloud our judgment?

Intentionally misinterpreting someone’s words or actions can damage relationships and prevent us from learning valuable lessons from others’ experiences.

So whenever you feel a twinge of jealousy, take a step back and examine why.

Are you comparing yourself to others unfairly?

Instead of letting envy take over, be happy for others’ successes.

We can teach our kids the importance of being good listeners, encourage them to approach conversations with an open mind and heart and help them understand that everyone has their unique journey and that there’s no need to feel threatened by others’ achievements.

Reflections on Life and Society

Throughout her career, Hurston offered keen observations about the human condition and social dynamics. These words showcase her ability to distill complex ideas into memorable phrases.

Those that don’t got it, can’t show it. Those that got it, can’t hide it.
-Zora Neale Hurston, from “Dust Tracks on a Road”

There is no way to fake what you don’t have. A person with natural talent or skill shines through no matter what. They don’t have to shout it from the rooftops or show it off. It’s just there, plain as day, in everything they do.

Most of us have seen individuals who seem naturally gifted at something, whether music, sports, or even just making others laugh. It looks so easy, right? In contrast, we have all seen people pretend to be good at something when they aren’t. They talk big but fall short when it’s time to deliver.

Hurston nails this idea perfectly. You can’t fool people for too long because the truth always surfaces. Trying to hide your true nature is like covering up the sun. The rays will eventually find a way to get through.

The underlying message of this saying is to embrace our authentic selves and focus on what we do best. We must nurture our natural talents rather than pretending to be someone we aren’t.

Our unique contribution to the world will emerge as we express ourselves through these abilities. What’s impressive is that once you put all your energy into what you enjoy, you’ll find your rhythm. You’ll stand out without even trying.

A thing is mighty big when time and distance cannot shrink it.
-Zora Neale Hurston, from “Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica”

When something truly matters, it stays with us no matter how far we go or how much time passes. Think about the people you love – your family, friends, or someone special.

Their impact on your life doesn’t fade just because you’re apart or years have passed. That’s the power of genuine connection and meaningful experiences.

Life throws so many fleeting things our way, but the stuff that counts sticks around. This idea can help us focus on what truly matters in our lives.

What relationships, dreams, or values have stood the test of time for you? Those are the things worth nurturing and cherishing. They’re the anchors that keep us steady when everything else changes.

But for the national welfare, it is urgent to realize that the minorities do think, and think about something other than the race problem.
-Zora Neale Hurston, from “What White Publishers Won’t Print”

There is so much more to minorities than just their perspective on racism. They have brilliant ideas, dreams, and thoughts on countless subjects.

Too often, we overlook this and have a limited view of diverse communities. And when we ignore the full depth of people’s lives, we miss out on a colorful world of stories and experiences.

There is no better time to broaden our perspectives and recognize that people from all backgrounds have valuable insights into various topics than now. By accepting others as fully human, we can break down barriers.

Our prejudices begin to fall apart once we realize that everyone has the same core emotions and desires, regardless of their background. We can build deeper connections and create a more inclusive society through this shift in mindset.

The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.
-Zora Neale Hurston

Our present moment nestles between the past and future like an egg. Just as a shell protects a potential within, so do our current experiences shield future possibilities.

Almost everything we do today results from actions and choices we took yesterday.

Think of cracking open an egg to see the yolk and white representing our present reality, shaped by all that has gone before. However, hidden inside are opportunities for a new life, much like our actions now shape our future.

This image reminds us that we’re part of an ongoing story. We don’t live in isolation. Our lives are chapters in a larger narrative that stretches backward and forward in time. We can make better choices when we recognize this connection, knowing that our actions now also have a ripple effect on the future.

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
-Zora Neale Hurston

It’s funny how love coaxes us out of our comfort zones. It’s like playing a gentle tug-of-war on the heart that urges us to step into the light and be seen.

Falling in love gives us the courage to expose ourselves, but it takes a lot of effort. We may inch forward cautiously, hesitant to reveal our vulnerabilities, yet love persists, drawing us out until we are fully present.

This openness can feel thrilling and terrifying simultaneously, like crawling out of a safe hiding spot into the unknown. Love has a magical effect on us. It softens our rough edges and chips away at our defenses.

By loving, we discover parts of ourselves we never knew existed. It’s as if our souls, long dormant, finally awaken and stretch their limbs. This awakening isn’t always pretty or graceful. Sometimes, it’s messy, clumsy, or even a bit painful.

But in these raw moments, we truly come alive. Love encourages us to grow, evolve, and embrace our full potential. Through its influence, even the most guarded heart can become an open book ready for anyone to read and understand.

Once you wake up thought in a man, you can never put it to sleep again.
-Zora Neale Hurston, from “Moses, Man of the Mountain”

Becoming aware of something changes how we see ourselves, others, and the world forever. Once we’ve experienced something new, there’s no turning back.

As a result of that newfound awareness, our choices and actions are shaped from that point forward. You will never forget those moments when you suddenly understood something entirely differently.

The moment might be when you discover a hidden talent, learn about social injustice, or realize something new about yourself. It makes you grow, question, and seek out more.

Even if we try to ignore it, the awakened thought keeps nudging us, reminding us of what we now know. It’s exciting and a little scary because with new awareness comes responsibility. We can’t pretend we don’t see what’s now so clear.

The Art of Inquiry and Discovery

As an anthropologist and writer, Hurston valued curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. This line is one of her most unforgettable thoughts on the subject.

Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.
-Zora Neale Hurston, from “Dust Tracks on a Road”

Curiosity fuels our desire to explore, discover, and learn. We feel an itch when we want to know more about something; research lets us scratch that purposefully.

Remember how your kid asks “why” a million times a day? That’s pure curiosity in action!

As parents, we can nurture this natural inquisitiveness by encouraging our children to dig deeper and poke at ideas that interest them. There is no need for anything fancy here—simple activities like looking up fun facts about their favorite animal or figuring out how a toy works can spark their investigative spirit.

Make learning an exciting experience for your child. If your child is curious, turn it into a mini-research project. Visit a library, do some online research, or go out and explore the world. Visit museums, do nature walks, or chat with someone knowledgeable about the subject to gain great insight.

This approach satisfies their curiosity and helps them develop valuable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Everyone can participate in research – lab coats scientists or anyone wanting to know more about the world. Developing a love of discovery in our kids sets them up for lifelong learning.

A Journey Without End

Zora Neale Hurston once wrote that no matter how far we go, the horizon remains beyond our reach. We might climb the highest mountain or sail across vast oceans, yet that distant line where the sky meets Earth keeps moving away.

Chasing it feels like pursuing a rainbow. The closer you get, the further it seems to go.

This doesn’t mean our efforts are pointless, though. Far from it! The journey itself shapes us, pushes us to grow, and reveals new wonders along the way.

Your goals and dreams may sometimes seem impossible, looming on your horizon. But every step you take brings new opportunities into view.

You might not reach that final destination, but you’ll discover more than you ever imagined. Embracing the process, learning from setbacks, and celebrating how far you’ve come become part of the adventure.

That distant horizon isn’t meant to be caught. It’s there to keep us moving forward.

Get Creative!

These posts will spark your imagination and help you engage kids in fun learning activities. From beating writer’s block to making books, there’s something here for everyone.

These resources draw inspiration from Zora Neale Hurston’s multifaceted career as a writer, filmmaker, and educator.