I will not take “but” for an answer.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that the speaker is not going to accept excuses or reasons why something can't be done. They are determined to get things done, no matter what obstacles or difficulties might come up. The speaker is saying they will not accept "but" (as in "but I can't do it because...") as a valid response. They are going to keep pushing forward and find a way to make things happen.
About Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an acclaimed American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist who was a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He pioneered the literary form of jazz poetry and wrote extensively about the African-American experience, including the period when Harlem was thriving and in vogue.
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More quotes from Langston Hughes
I will not take “but” for an answer.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun?… Or does it explode?
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
I swear to the Lord, I still can’t see, why Democracy means, everybody but me.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
Beauty for some provides escape, who gain a happiness in eyeing the gorgeous buttocks of the ape or Autumn sunsets exquisitely dying.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
Negroes – Sweet and docile, Meek, humble, and kind: Beware the day – They change their mind.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
When peoples care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
We Negro writers, just by being black, have been on the blacklist all our lives. Censorship for us begins at the color line.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
Humor is laughing at what you haven’t got when you ought to have it.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
It’s such a Bore Being always Poor.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist
An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
(1901-1967) American writer and social activist