Maynard James Keenan Quotes, born James Herbert Keenan on April 17, 1964, in Akron, Ohio, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and winemaker, best known as the frontman of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. His introspective lyrics and eclectic artistry explore themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and human struggle, often with a sharp, philosophical edge.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his songs, interviews, books, and public statements—reflect his profound insights, wit, and unapologetic individuality.
15 Maynard James Keenan Quotes
- “People have to follow their hearts, and if their hearts lead them to Wal-Mart, so be it.” (Book, A Perfect Union of Contrary Things, 2016)
- “This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality. Embrace this moment, remember: we are eternal, all this pain is an illusion.” (Song, “Parabola,” Lateralus, 2001)
- “At some point, if you’re lucky, you realize you’re not the story. You’re part of the story. The story is much bigger than you.” (Book, A Perfect Union of Contrary Things, 2016)
- “A circle is the reflection of eternity. It has no beginning and it has no end—and if you put several circles over each other, then you get a spiral.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Beliefs are dangerous. Beliefs allow the mind to stop functioning. A non-functioning mind is clinically dead. Believe in nothing.” (Interview, A-Z Quotes, 2017)
- “I believe that music is a force in itself. It is there and it needs an outlet, a medium. In a way, we are just the medium.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Don’t be afraid to be an individual. Be afraid of being the same as everyone else.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “If you can’t find something to live for, you best find something to die for.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “The hardest battles are fought in the mind, not on the battlefield.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “Once you take yourself too seriously, the art will suffer.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Music is about listening, the more you play, the more the magic spreads.” (Interview, Inspiring Quotes, n.d.)
- “I’m not an educated man. I only know what I’m told, and I’m not told that much; I have no frame of reference for how to place things in history be a responsible leader. All I can do is be an artist.” (Interview, Wise Famous Quotes, n.d.)
- “When you come to a crossroads, you can either be crippled by doubt, or you can start down an inspirational new path.” (Seminar, In The Loop Magazine, 2016)
- “So crucify the ego, before it’s far too late, to leave behind this place so negative and blind and cynical.” (Song, “Reflection,” Lateralus, 2001)
- “The idea is, if I can’t heal from my art, then how can you heal?” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
Maynard James Keenan’s quotes pulse with introspection, defiance, and a call to embrace individuality and purpose. Which one resonates with your soul? Drop it in the comments and keep the artistic fire burning!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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