Born Quote by Dorothy Allison
“I was born in 1949, and by the time I was 10, I figured out that my hope chest was not aimed in the same direction everybody else's was. And that life was going to be very, very complicated. And that I could either be provocative and declamatory, or shy, retiring and scared.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1995
She realized early that her aspirations differed from societal expectations, making life complex and forcing a choice between boldness and timidity.
In simple terms: Her hopes diverged from the norm, creating complexity and a choice between confidence and fear.
Key Takeaway
Embrace your unique path despite pressure.
Themes
identity
expectations
choice
complexity
Mood
reflective
determined
anxious
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal relationships
- creative pursuits
- public speaking
Key Concepts
self‑actualization
social conformity
psychological conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile personal ambition with external expectations?
- What fears hold you back from being provocative?
A Different Perspective
Boldness may invite criticism and isolation.
![“When I was 8 years old, I became depressed. I kept asking why I was born this way [without arms and legs]. I also worried about my future. At the age of 10, I tried to commit suicide because I felt like giving up. But when I imagined my loving parents crying at my grave, I decided to stay.” quote by Nick Vujicic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/495/nick-vujicic-1681_age_when-i-was-8-years-old-i-became-depresse_1315358.jpg)
