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Why are men afraid of women?" "If your strength is only…

“Why are men afraid of women?" "If your strength is only the other's weakness, you live in fear," Ged said. "Yes; but women seem to fear their own strength, to be afraid of themselves." "Are they ever taught to trust themselves?" Ged asked, and as he spoke Therru came in on her work again. His eyes…” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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““Why are men afraid of women?" "If your strength is only the other's weakness, you live in fear," Ged said. "Yes; but women seem to fear their own strength, to be afraid of themselves." "Are they ever taught to trust themselves?" Ged asked, and as he spoke Therru came in on her work again. His eyes and Tenar's met. "No," she said. "Trust is not what we're taught." She watched the child stack the wood in the box. "If power were trust," she said. "I like that word. If it weren't all these arrangements - one above the other - kings and masters and mages and owners - It all seems so unnecessary. Real power, real freedom, would lie in trust, not force." "As children trust their parents," he said.””

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

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

True power comes from trust, not domination; fear arises when strength is defined by others' weakness.

In simple terms: Power is trust, not force.

Key Takeaway

Seek trust over control.

Themes

trust power fear gender self‑acceptance

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • leadership
  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

relational power self‑trust gender dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you trust without fear?
  • How does gender shape our sense of power?
A Different Perspective

Trust can be fragile and hard to build.

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