Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

The saying urges authenticity: live in accordance with your own character and speak honestly rather than tailoring yourself to win approval. It reframes social criticism as a poor metric for self-worth—people who are quick to take offense or judge (“those who mind”) are not the relationships that should govern your choices, while people who genuinely care (“those who matter”) will tolerate candor and individuality. The epigram functions as a compact ethic of self-respect and selective attention, encouraging emotional independence and prioritizing supportive communities over performative acceptance.