Culture Quote by Diane Setterfield
“There are cultures in which it is believed that a name contains all a persons mystical power. That a name should be known only to God and to the person who holds it and to very few privileged others. To pronounce such a name either ones own or someone else's is to invite jeopardy. This it seemed was such a name.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, 2006
Names are thought to hold a person's essence; revealing them can expose one to danger.
In simple terms: A name can be a source of power and risk.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal identity carefully.
Themes
identity
power
secrecy
danger
tradition
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
cultural
mythical
When to use this quote
- family secrets
- rituals
- personal branding
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
mythology
cultural belief
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does secrecy protect or harm?
- When is sharing a name empowering?
A Different Perspective
Overprotectiveness may isolate individuals.
![“...our role as comforters is not to solve the problem of pain; even less is it to stick up for God. Trying to vindicate God to a person in agonizing pain is like explaining to a crying infant that Mommy is really a well-intentioned person. ... While [Job's friends] remain mired in their…” quote by Ellen F. Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6aa/ellen-f-davis-25448_pain_our-role-as-comforters-is-not-to-solve-t_332429.jpg)
