Fairy tale Quote by Diane Arbus
““There's a quality of legend about freaks. Like a person in a fairy tale who stops you and demands that you answer a riddle. Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats.””
About This Quote
Source Photograph collection: Diane Arbus, 1970s
The quote likens unconventional people (“freaks”) to mythic figures who have already endured trauma, positioning them as elite survivors.
In simple terms: Unusual people have already survived trauma and are elite.
Key Takeaway
Recognize resilience in those who seem different.
Themes
identity
trauma
resilience
elitism
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- artistic community
- mental health discussions
- personal growth
- social inclusion
Key Concepts
mythic archetype
survivor narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society label and treat those who differ?
- What can we learn from their resilience?
A Different Perspective
Not all "freaks" are celebrated; stigma can persist.
![“[Our self-image is] that gap between intention and effect” quote by Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/416/diane-arbus-8503_effects_our-self-image-is-that-gap-between-inten_249587.jpg)
