Existence Quote by Hannah Gadsby
“Shame has its place. Shame is what you do to a kid to stop them running on the road. And then you take the shame away, and immediately, they're back in the fold. You should never soak anybody in shame. It's the prolonged existence of shame that then flips out into destructive rage. We can't exist in that. It's like treacle.”
About This Quote
The passage explains that shame can be a temporary corrective tool for children, but prolonged shame leads to destructive anger; thus, shame should be used sparingly and removed quickly.
In simple terms: Short shame can correct behavior; long shame causes rage.
Use brief correction, then release shame.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- child discipline
- school counseling
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you correct behavior without shaming?
- What signs show shame becoming harmful?
Prolonged shame harms mental health and relationships.