Bones Quote by Herta Muller
“I'm always telling myself I don't have many feelings. Even when something does affect me I'm only moderately moved. I almost never cry. It's not that I'm stronger than the ones with teary eyes, I'm weaker. They have courage. When all you are is skin and bones, feelings are a brave thing. I'm more of a coward. The difference is minimal though, I just use my strength not to cry. When I do allow myself a feeling, I take the part that hurts and bandage it up with a story that doesn't cry, that doesn't dwell on homesickness.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, “The Art of Survival”, 2010
The speaker admits suppressing emotions, equating restraint with weakness, and using narrative to avoid vulnerability.
In simple terms: I hide feelings and tell stories instead of crying.
Key Takeaway
Allow yourself to feel without disguising it.
Themes
emotional suppression
vulnerability
strength
storytelling
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- grief processing
- creative writing
- mental health therapy
Key Concepts
psychology
masculinity
cultural expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- What would happen if you let yourself cry?
- How can storytelling help process pain?
A Different Perspective
Suppressing emotions can lead to unresolved trauma and isolation.
