Bohemian Quotes | Free Spirit Quotes

Come be inspired to walk on the wild side with these 10 amazing quotes from some of the world's greatest free spirits.

“If you end up with a boring miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest, or some guy on television telling you how to do your shit, then you deserve it.” 

― Frank Zappa

This is some serious tough love from one of America's most eccentric musicians. While I would never say this to anyone myself, I do agree that we are all responsible for ourselves, our lives, and how react to the good and bad times.  Design the life you want and don't let anyone tell you how to live.

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.”

"I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

 ― Robert Frost

The mainstream is a cozy place that many people love to dwell in because it's safe. If the majority is doing a certain thing, then it must be good right? Not necessarily. There is so much more out there than what the mainstream has to offer. Follow your own path and discover things on your own.

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“If you want to be free, be free. Cause there’s a million things to be.” 
― Cat Stevens

Should you choose to create yourself and become what you want to be, don't worry about being lost and don't worry about failure because there is no wrong way to be you. If you want to be goth today, and a rodeo clown tomorrow then that's just fine. You're still you, being you in the many different ways that you can be YOU.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve always imagined.”
 ― Henry David Thoreau

In my opinion, if you're bold enough to dream it then you're bold enough to do it. I know the whole "follow your dreams" thing is a little hackneyed, but if it's in you and you've got no reason to not pursue the dream... then it's time to do it.

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“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

― Marilyn Monroe

Some of the greatest movies, songs, artwork, political movements, and inventions came from ridiculous ideas that were pursued by people who were considered to be completely off their rocker. If it wasn't for those crazy people, we wouldn't have things like the light bulb, the airplane, surreal art, independent films, etc.
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“Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness.”

― Allen Ginsberg

In a nutshell: It's ok to be weird and it's ok to love being weird!

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

― Dolly Parton

This quote is new to me and I love it! This quote reminds me of the the people featured the New York Post's Extraordinary People Facebook page. On the page there is a female drag queen, a couple who live a fully Victorian-era lifestyle, and a lady who has a passion for all things purple. These people found out who they are and they do it boldy and completely unashamed.

If I had to pick just one quote to represent bohemianism, it would probably be this one.
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“Every morning when I wake up, I experience an exquisite joy —the joy of being Salvador Dalí— and I ask myself in rapture: What wonderful things is this Salvador Dalí going to accomplish today?”

― Salvador Dalí

This is a quote from a man who loved the life he created for himself and he never held back when it came to being himself. Sometimes he was weird just for the sake of being weird, but it's clear that acting in that manner brought him great joy. Be like Dali and become who YOU want to be and create the life YOU want to live.
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“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
— Maya Angelou

Never ever suppress your urge to be different. In quirkiness, a great and powerful person can be found. And always remember, all throughout history, the crazy ones that people shunned and mocked turned out to be the greatest and most influential of all time.

Which quote is your favorite?
Let me know in a comment below!


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May I recommend a book?
Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide to Living on the Edge is a great read! It's not really manifesto, it's mostly just for entertainment but there is so much truth in it about bohemianism that it's actually a great way for people to better understand it! The author breaks down her idea for the five different types of bohemians, how they dress, decorate their homes and even what they eat. She also has recommended reading for bohemians, an absinth recipe, and fun "case studies" of real bohemians at the end. The artwork is AWESOME and the book under the cover is GOLD. Can't beat that!