Skip to content

I took a step toward her. "It is my right to reside in my…

“I took a step toward her. "It is my right to reside in my own mind. It is my right ," I said. "It is my right to be unsociable and it is my right to be unpleasant to be around. Do you ever listen to yourself? This is crazy, that is crazy, everything is crazy to you. By whose measure? Well, it is…” quote by Carmen Maria Machado
Download Open image
““I took a step toward her. "It is my right to reside in my own mind. It is my right ," I said. "It is my right to be unsociable and it is my right to be unpleasant to be around. Do you ever listen to yourself? This is crazy, that is crazy, everything is crazy to you. By whose measure? Well, it is my right to be crazy, as you love to say so much. I have no shame. I have felt many things in my life, but shame is not among them." The volume of my voice caused me to stand on my tiptoes. I could not remember yelling like this, ever. "You may think that I have an obligation to you but I assure you that us being thrown together in this arbitrary arrangement does not cohesion make. I have never had less of an obligation to anyone in my life, you aggressively ordinary woman.””

Carmen Maria Machado

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A speaker asserts personal autonomy over thoughts, emotions, and social behavior, rejecting external expectations and shame.

In simple terms: I claim the right to be myself, even if others find it odd.

Key Takeaway

Embrace your authentic self without guilt.

Themes

autonomy identity self‑acceptance rebellion

Mood

defiant reflective

Type

personal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • mental health
  • boundary setting
  • self‑expression

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal freedom with social responsibility?
  • What boundaries protect your mental health?
A Different Perspective

This stance may strain relationships and invite isolation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Carmen Maria Machado

Explore all 22 Carmen Maria Machado quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes