Cutting Quote by Libba Bray
“Why should we girls not have the same privileges as men? Why do we police ourselves so stringently- whittling each other down with cutting remarks or holding ourselves back from greatness with a harness woven of fear and shame and longing? If we do not deem ourselves worthy first, how shall we ever ask for more?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray, 2011
Equality is denied when women internalize oppression and self‑police, limiting their own aspirations.
In simple terms: Women often limit themselves with fear and shame.
Key Takeaway
Challenge internalized limits, demand equality.
Themes
gender
self‑esteem
empowerment
Mood
inspirational
determined
Type
social
personal
When to use this quote
- education
- workplace
- activism
- personal growth
Key Concepts
feminism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What self‑imposed barriers hold you back?
- How can you support others in breaking them?
A Different Perspective
Societal change also requires structural reforms, not just personal belief.
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