Ability Quote by Margaret Atwood
“There are some women who seem to be born without fear, just as there are people who are born without the ability to feel pain. The painless ones go around putting their hands on hot stoves, freezing their feet to the point of gangrene, scalding the lining of their throats with boiling coffee, because there is no warning anguish. Evolution does not favour them. So too perhaps with the fearless women, because there aren't very many of them around. ... Providence appears to protect such women, maybe out of astonishment.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Edges of Reason, 2010
Some individuals lack fear or pain, leading them to self‑destructive behavior; evolution rarely favors such traits, yet rare fearless women seem protected by chance.
In simple terms: Lack of fear/pain can cause danger; rare but sometimes protected.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of fearlessness, respect natural warnings.
Themes
biology
risk
evolution
gender
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
ethical
observational
When to use this quote
- risk assessment
- personal safety
- health education
Key Concepts
psychology
neuroscience
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can replace fear?
- How does society view fearless individuals?
A Different Perspective
Fearlessness can be harmful; lacking pain may prevent learning from danger.
![“I...understand that age is kind of awesome. I am fortunate enough to know women like Gloria Steinem - who I think is one of the most stunning women on the planet - [who] doesn't touch her face. Diane Keaton, Annette Bening - all of these fabulous, fearless women who are flawless - they embrace it!” quote by Jennifer Aniston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/841/jennifer-aniston-1109_age_i-understand-that-age-is-kind-of-awesome_725060.jpg)
