Believing Quote by Margaret Atwood
““I keep on going with this sad and hungry and sordid, this limping and mutilated story, because after all I want you to hear it….By telling you anything at all I’m at least believing in you….Because I’m telling you this story I will your existence. I tell, therefore you are.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, 1985
The narrator persists in sharing a painful story, believing that telling it affirms both the listener’s existence and the storyteller’s own humanity.
In simple terms: She tells a hard story to affirm life and connection.
Key Takeaway
Share truth to affirm existence and foster empathy.
Themes
storytelling
truth
humanity
resilience
connection
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal healing
- support groups
- creative writing workshops
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
narrative therapy
existential affirmation
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does vulnerability play in building community?
- How can storytellers balance honesty with audience sensitivity?
A Different Perspective
Narratives can be triggering and may not always empower all listeners.
