--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Jem seemed to look through her then, as…" description: "\"Jem seemed to look through her then, as if he were seeing something beyond her, beyond the corridor, beyond the Institute itself. \"Whatever you are phy..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1d/cassandra-clare-9_believe_jem-seemed-to-look-through-her-then-as-i_1814917.jpg" --- # Jem seemed to look through her then, as if he were seeing… ![“Jem seemed to look through her then, as if he were seeing something beyond her, beyond the corridor, beyond the Institute itself. "Whatever you are physically," he said, "male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy--all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the…” quote by Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1d/cassandra-clare-9_believe_jem-seemed-to-look-through-her-then-as-i_1814917.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1d/cassandra-clare-9_believe_jem-seemed-to-look-through-her-then-as-i_1814917.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1d/cassandra-clare-9_believe_jem-seemed-to-look-through-her-then-as-i_1814917.jpg) > “Jem seemed to look through her then, as if he were seeing something beyond her, beyond the corridor, beyond the Institute itself. "Whatever you are physically," he said, "male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy--all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. All those other things, they are the glass that contains the lamp, but you are the light inside." He smiled them, seeming to have come back to himself, slightly embarrassed. "That's what I believe.” [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True worth lies in inner character, not external attributes; the soul defines identity. **In simple terms:** Inner character defines worth. Key Takeaway Focus on nurturing your inner self. Themes identity inner strength character self‑worth Mood hopeful inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal relationships - leadership - self‑improvement Key Concepts philosophy spirituality psychology Questions to Reflect On - What inner qualities do you cherish? - How do you balance inner and outer aspects? A Different Perspective Neglecting external factors can be unrealistic. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Embarrassed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/embarrassed/) [Female](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/female/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) [Jem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jem/) [Light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/light/) [Males](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/males/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Warrior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/warrior/) ## Related quotes > [Whatever you are physically...male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy--all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/whatever-you-are-physically-male-or-female-strong-or-weak-ill-or/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Whatever you are physically,' he said, 'Male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy -- all those things matter less than what your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/whatever-you-are-physically-he-said-male-or-female-strong-or-weak-ill/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Christ,Syn," said another male."You are out of your fucking mind." "That's right,Frosty;" Synjon said against Petra's ear."Mad as a hatter.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-wright/christ-syn-said-another-male-you-are-out-of-your-fucking-mind-that-s/) [Laura Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-wright/) > [Will’s voice dropped. “Everyone makes mistakes, Jem.” “Yes,” said Jem. “You just make more of them than most people.” “I —” “You hurt everyone,”…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/will-s-voice-dropped-everyone-makes-mistakes-jem-yes-said-jem-you/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [ \[Jem\] 'It will help you sleep.' 'All I’ve been doing is sleeping!' \[Tessa\] 'And very amusing it is to watch, said Jem. 'Did you… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/jem-it-will-help-you-sleep-all-i-ve-been-doing-is-sleeping-tessa-and/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [We spoke of how to say good-bye,” Jem said. “When Jonathan bid farewell to David, he said, ‘Go in peace, for as much as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/we-spoke-of-how-to-say-good-bye-jem-said-when-jonathan-bid-farewell/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Do you remember when we stood together on Blackfriars Bridge?” he asked softly, and his eyes were like that night had been, all black…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/do-you-remember-when-we-stood-together-on-blackfriars-bridge-he-asked/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [He would look so young. They were both so young. Tessa knew it was unusual to marry at seventeen and eighteen, but they were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/he-would-look-so-young-they-were-both-so-young-tessa-knew-it-was/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [The Brother's hood fell back, and his silvery hair shone out in the dim chamber like starlight. All the air rushed out of Tessa's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/the-brother-s-hood-fell-back-and-his-silvery-hair-shone-out-in-the/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“He looked from Will to Tessa and raised his silvery eyebrows. "A miracle," he said. "You got him to speak." "Just to shout at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/he-looked-from-will-to-tessa-and-raised-his-silvery-eyebrows-a/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [You think she is pretty?' Will was surprised; Jem rarely opined this sort of thing. 'Yes, and you do too.' 'I hadn't noticed, really.'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/you-think-she-is-pretty-will-was-surprised-jem-rarely-opined-this/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Reparations,” said Jem very suddenly, setting down the pen he was holding. Will looked at him in puzzlement. “Is this a game? We just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/reparations-said-jem-very-suddenly-setting-down-the-pen-he-was/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [A great sadness welled up in Magnus at the sight of him. It was human to age and die, and Jem stood outside that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/a-great-sadness-welled-up-in-magnus-at-the-sight-of-him-it-was-human/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Charlotte, Will’s being vexing.' 'And the sun has come up in the east,' said Jem, to no one in particular.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/charlotte-will-s-being-vexing-and-the-sun-has-come-up-in-the-east/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Will closed his eyes. He could not hear Jem go, not anymore; he did not want to know the moment when he left and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/will-closed-his-eyes-he-could-not-hear-jem-go-not-anymore-he-did-not/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) ## More by Cassandra Clare > [Against his own will, almost, Will felt himself understanding; he would have done anything, he thought, told any lie, taken any risk, to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/against-his-own-will-almost-will-felt-himself-understanding-he-would/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“So Jace is my actual family," Kit said. "But I can't go live with him, because him and his hot girlfriend are going off…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/so-jace-is-my-actual-family-kit-said-but-i-can-t-go-live-with-him/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Clarissa," he said, "here with the vampire, I see. When things have settled a bit, we really must discuss you choice in pets..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/clarissa-he-said-here-with-the-vampire-i-see-when-things-have-settled/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Must I go bound while you go free Must I love a manwho doesn't love me Must I be born with so little art…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/must-i-go-bound-while-you-go-free-must-i-love-a-manwho-doesn-t-love/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [If you're texting Magnus to say 'I think u r kewl,' I'm going to kill you." "Who's Magnus?" Max inquired. "He's a warlock," said…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/if-you-re-texting-magnus-to-say-i-think-u-r-kewl-i-m-going-to-kill/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“they all have always loved you Will Herondale, for you cannot hide what is good about yourself, however har you try.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/they-all-have-always-loved-you-will-herondale-for-you-cannot-hide/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“We work through this together, remember? No shutting me out. No epic sulks.” “I was figuring I could sulk for Idris in the next…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/we-work-through-this-together-remember-no-shutting-me-out-no-epic/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Lex malla, lex nulla,” said Julian with a regretful wave of his hand. It was the Blackthorn family motto: A bad law is no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/lex-malla-lex-nulla-said-julian-with-a-regretful-wave-of-his-hand-it/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Maybe that was why she couldn't cry, she realized, staring dry-eyed at the ceiling. Because what was the point in crying when there was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/maybe-that-was-why-she-couldn-t-cry-she-realized-staring-dry-eyed-at/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [I'm memorable, its true." -Magnus, pg.229-](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-m-memorable-its-true-magnus-pg-229/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“There is more to living than not dying.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/there-is-more-to-living-than-not-dying/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Unless there was a reason for me to stay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/unless-there-was-a-reason-for-me-to-stay/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Love didn't make you weak, it made you stronger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/love-didn-t-make-you-weak-it-made-you-stronger/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“I wasn’t just worried about him; I was worried about you, too. There’s something so . . . reassuring about you. And Jace is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-wasn-t-just-worried-about-him-i-was-worried-about-you-too-there-s/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [I firmly believe that you can't get a good movie without risking a bad movie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-firmly-believe-that-you-can-t-get-a-good-movie-without-risking-a/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) [Explore all 4,049 Cassandra Clare quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) ## More Believe quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. You have to be hyper, hyper aware of what's going on around you. 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He's going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/resist-discouragement-by-speaking-his-word-over-your-future-keep/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I can't believe that I'm sitting in meetings with Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Annette Bening. I want to take on that responsibility to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-ross-williams/i-can-t-believe-that-i-m-sitting-in-meetings-with-steven-spielberg/) [Roger Ross Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-ross-williams/) > [There is no such word as item girl in the dictionary. People have created this word and I don't believe that I am an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shefali-zariwala/there-is-no-such-word-as-item-girl-in-the-dictionary-people-have/) [Shefali Zariwala](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shefali-zariwala/) > [I understand that it's the music that keeps me alive... That's my lifeblood. And to give that up for, like, the TV, the cars,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-springsteen/i-understand-that-it-s-the-music-that-keeps-me-alive-that-s-my/) [Bruce Springsteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-springsteen/) > [I don't really like too much credit. I know nobody's going to believe this, but I'd rather be able to score goals and nobody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bradley-wright-phillips/i-don-t-really-like-too-much-credit-i-know-nobody-s-going-to-believe/) [Bradley Wright-Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bradley-wright-phillips/) > [“What I have a problem with is not so much religion or god, but faith. When you say you believe something in your heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/penn-jillette/what-i-have-a-problem-with-is-not-so-much-religion-or-god-but-faith/) [Penn Jillette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/penn-jillette/) > [Bush reiterated his stand to conservatives opposing his decision on stem cell research. 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Garfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-a-garfield/) > [We instantly believe everything we think. Isn't that insane? It's good for us to explore the depravity of our minds, so we know we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/krishna-das/we-instantly-believe-everything-we-think-isn-t-that-insane-it-s-good/) [Krishna Das](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/krishna-das/) Browse all 47,704 Believe quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Jem seemed to look through her then, as if he were seeing something beyond her, beyond the corridor, beyond the Institute itself. \"Whatever you are physically,\" he said, \"male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy--all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. 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