There are certain bodily functions of mine which I will…
“There are certain bodily functions of mine which I will not allow to be supervised. One of these is eating. Nobody's going to license me to do this. Another one is bodily disposals. I will defecate and urinate when I damn well please and as the spirit -and the physical necessity -moves me. And my sex life is peculiarly my own. I will engage in sexual activity with a consenting male any time and any place I damn well please.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She asserts personal autonomy over bodily functions, rejecting external control or licensing of eating, waste elimination, and consensual sexual activity.
In simple terms: Personal bodily autonomy is nonnegotiable.
Key Takeaway
Defend your bodily rights.
Themes
autonomy
bodily rights
personal freedom
Mood
defiant
assertive
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily life
- healthcare decisions
- sexual relationships
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
libertarianism
individual sovereignty
consent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies balance individual bodily autonomy with public health?
- When is consent insufficient to justify personal actions?
A Different Perspective
Legal frameworks may still impose regulations despite personal claims.