George Michael is a well-loved superstar who passed away in December 2016. Here we remember the man and his life from the best life lessons he gave in his different interviews:
1 – On feeling the hate of the world
A very powerful quote from George Michael talking about his fight when his life was at its most turbulent. This was from the interview that appeared in the Swedish newspaper Expressen “George Michaels ord om hatet mot honom” published in 2007.
I never felt hate. I’d rather have all the hate in the world directed at me, which it sometimes feels like, than to even for just one day feel hate towards another human being
George Michael Speaks about the Hate Towards Him
2 – On the core behavior needed to positively impact the world
When George Michael was asked why he gave his album the title “Faith” he said in a 1988 Paris Match article that “I believe that the forces of Good and Evil are real things.” However, he explained it is not a religious feeling but this:
“I believe that one can influence one’s life, one’s future, through faith and decency towards others.”
Paris Match Interview (1998)
3 – On other people’s approval
George Michael sat down with Oprah Winfrey in her show on May 26, 2004, to promote his album Patience. This is a classic interview that perfectly summed up George’s legacy, and this is the quote that reverberated in the face of homophobia:
I don’t need the approval of people who don’t approve of me.
Oprah Winfrey show (2004)
4 – On his philanthropy and charitable giving
When he died, stories of George’s amazing philanthropy and charitable giving emerged. More importantly, many of his charitable acts were done under the radar, away from the press and the camera. The quote is from the 1986 Smash Hits interview.
I don’t make donations and then ask for it to be publicized. I just do it when I think there’s an urgent need for something.
Question and Answer with George Michael (Smash Hits, 1986)
5 – On earning respect
From his first online chat with fans in 1998, George was asked what he thought about Frank Sinatra’s music. Remember that back in 1990, Sinatra wrote an open letter to George.
Respect is earned by what you do, not just what you do with the gifts that God has given you.
George Michael’s First Online Chat with Fans (1998)
6 – On how he wanted to be remembered
In a question-and-answer interview with George Michael in Mojo Magazine published in August 2014, he was asked how he wanted to be remembered and this was his very poignant response:
I’d say for my music and hopefully being a really good friend to people and hopefully being a really caring, good and reliable person.
George Michael’s Self Portrait (Mojo Magazine 2014 Interview)
7 – On his advice to his younger self
In this 2000 interview when he headlined the Equality Rocks concert, the former editor-in-chief of the national gay & lesbian newsmagazine, The Advocate asked George what advice can he give his younger self.
Be proud of who you are and deal with the shit.
George Michael on Headlining ‘Equality Rocks’ (The Advocate, 2000)
8 – On growing up and accepting his physical self-image
From the George Michael: The Long Goodbye written by Ian Parker for US Magazine on 24 January 1991, he talked of how he has accepted his physical image
One of the things that’s been most pleasant about growing up is the ability to face things, to accept all kinds of things about yourself.
George Michael: The Long Goodbye (US Weekly, 1991)
9 – On the trap of aiming for hit records
While George was referring to the trap of still aiming for hit records and attention when you’re 60-years-old in this 2007 article George Michael: “I Got Psychological Help”, this is a powerful statement that we all can benefit from.
I don’t need to continue to chase validation from the world.
George Michael: “I Got Psychological Help” (Expressen, 2007)
10 – On how he lives his life
George in his first online chat was talking about his religious beliefs (or lack of it), saying that “I think that god and life are beyond the human imagination.” However, his guiding principle in living his life should inspire us all.
I live my life as I said before, trying to make the best of it and letting others do the same. Peace and love, baby.
George Michael’s First Online Chat with Fans (1998)
