# Definitions belong to the definers, not the define... | Toni Morrison Quote

> Source: https://positivity.org/quotes/quote-toni-morrison-definitions-belong-to-the-definers-2

> Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.

## What This Quote Means

Honesty with ourselves is the first step toward honesty with others.

## About Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison was an American novelist and Nobel laureate known for her powerful explorations of Black identity and American history.

Toni Morrison (1931-2019) used the power of narrative to illuminate the beauty, pain, and complexity of Black American life.

## How to Apply This Wisdom

### Honest inventory

Be truthful with yourself about one area where you have been in denial.

### Speak truth

Share an honest thought that you have been holding back.

### Seek truth

Question one assumption you have been taking for granted.

## Reflection Questions

- Where am I being less than honest with myself?

- What truth am I avoiding that could set me free?

- How does living truthfully affect my relationships?

## More Quotes by Toni Morrison

> If there''s a book that you want to read, but it hasn''t been written yet, then you must write it.

> You wanna fly, you got to give up the stuff that weighs you down.

> Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.

> If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it.

> At some point in life the world''s beauty becomes enough. You don''t need to photograph, paint, or even remember it. It is enough.