I sometimes lie, especially about personal things, because what does it matter? I am a kind of minute commodity, my name is no longer my own.

Meaning of the quote

River Phoenix, a famous American actor, explains that he sometimes lies, especially about personal things, because he feels that it doesn't really matter. He says he is like a small, unimportant item that can be bought and sold, and his name no longer fully belongs to him. This suggests that he feels his privacy and individuality have been lost due to his fame and status as a public figure.

About River Phoenix

River Phoenix was an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in critically praised films. Despite his early success, he tragically passed away at just 23 years old from a drug overdose. His impressive acting career and untimely death have made him a compelling figure in the entertainment industry.

More about the author

More quotes from River Phoenix

I have a lot of chameleon qualities, I get very absorbed in my surroundings.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Acting is like a Halloween mask that you put on.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

When I was in first grade, everyone made fun of my name, of course. I think it’s kind of a big name to hold up when you’re nine years old. It seemed goofy. I used to tell people I wanted to change the world and they used to think, ‘This kid’s really weird’.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

When I was old enough to realize all meat was killed, I saw it as an irrational way of using our power, to take a weaker thing and mutilate it. It was like the way bullies would take control of younger kids in the schoolyard.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I sometimes lie, especially about personal things, because what does it matter? I am a kind of minute commodity, my name is no longer my own.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

It’s a great feeling to think that I can be a friend to so many people through my movies.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I wouldn’t eat a hamburger for 40,000 dollars.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Vegetarianism is a link to perfection and peace.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I’m really normal. I play football, go to the beach, drive. We have dogs. I can imagine people calling me a character, but I’m Joe Straight.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I would never, never do anything unless I believed in it.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I’ve been wanting to go into music ever since I can remember. I mean even before I became an actor. I just thought it would be a tough field to break into, so I became an actor instead.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Rich kids gave us their old clothes. They were the best clothes we ever had. We were these very pure, naive, poor children. The rich kids called us a lot of names but it never bothered us because we didn’t know what the words meant.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Commercials were too phony for me. I just didn’t like selling products I didn’t believe in.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I did my best work in The Mosquito Coast. I know it wasn’t such a big hit, but for me it was more meaningful than anything else I’d ever done.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Music is a hobby, because I’m not making any money out of it, but I put just as much conviction into that as I do into my acting.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

We were constantly moving to different countries and adjusting to new things. It was such a free feeling. I’m glad I didn’t have a traditional upbringing.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I try to lie as much as I can when I’m interviewed. It’s reverse psychology. I figure if you lie, they’ll print the truth.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I’d like to play every type of character, but only once. I like to expierence things.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I don’t want to die in a car accident. When I die it’ll be a glorious day. It’ll probably be a waterfall.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

I can’t on my own change the regime in South Africa or teach the Palestinians to learn to live with the Israelies, but I can start with me.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

People wonder if I’ll always be a part of this family and the answer is yes. My family has a lot of good energy going in one direction and because of it, we get a lot of things done. That’s why I’ll always spend a lot of time at Camp Phoenix.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

We are taught to consume. And that’s what we do. But if we realized that there really is no reason to consume, that it’s just a mind set, that it’s just an addiction, then we wouldn’t be out there stepping on people’s hands climbing the corporate ladder of success.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Music is my main goal, but I’m not going to rush a record out. There are so many actors who have come out with albums these days. I don’t want to do it because it’s the thing to do. I want to wait until the time is right.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Everything is ironic to me. There are moments I find hysterical, but I’m probably the only one who would find that, except for a few people.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

Music is a whole oasis in my head. The creation process is so personal and fulfilling.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)

It still strikes me as strange that anyone could have any moral objection to someone else’s sexuality. It’s like telling someone else how to clean their house.

River Phoenix

American actor and musician (1970-1993)