Assertion Quote by Barbara Deming
“Manliness has been defined as assertion of the self. Womanliness has been defined as the nurturing of selves other than our own - even if we quite lose our own in the process. (Women are supposed to find in this loss their true fulfillment.) But every individual person is born both to assert herself or himself and to act out a sympathy for others trying to find themselves - in Christian terms, meant to love one's self as one loves others ... Jesus never taught that we should split up that commandment - assigning 'love yourself' to men, 'love others' to women. But society has tried to.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Feminist Reflections, Barbara Deming, 1970s
The quote argues that traditional gender roles split self‑assertion and nurturing, but true humanity requires both self‑love and love for others, regardless of gender.
In simple terms: Both men and women should assert themselves and nurture others.
Key Takeaway
Balance self‑assertion with compassion.
Themes
gender roles
self‑love
compassion
feminist critique
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- counseling
- community building
Key Concepts
intersectionality
identity
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we nurture self‑assertion without neglecting others?
- What practices foster balanced self‑love and love for others?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook cultural contexts where self‑assertion can be harmful.
