Burden Quote by Melanie Benjamin
““That's just it, don't you see? I don't want to be taken care of! I don't want be hidden away, a burden! I want to make my own way! To have a greater purpose!' ””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Secret Life of Bees, 2005
A character rejects dependence, seeking autonomy and purpose beyond being a burden.
In simple terms: Desire for independence.
Key Takeaway
Pursue self‑direction.
Themes
autonomy
purpose
identity
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- personal relationships
- creative projects
Key Concepts
self‑determination
burden
freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities accompany freedom?
- How to balance self‑care and others?
A Different Perspective
Independence may isolate.
![“But Mother, I don't want to go. It's just that...I have to. I can't spend the rest of my life hiding in the attic. [...] I don't want to be a burden[...]I want to do something with my life. Figure out ways to help other third kids. Make—make a difference in the world.” quote by Margaret Peterson Haddix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1dc/margaret-peterson-haddix-19372_children-s-book_but-mother-i-don-t-want-to-go-it-s-just_2908142.jpg)
![“I knew Stokely [Carmichael] and them, but when you got to that, you saw that Nina Simone started to take up their burden. She started to preach for them. She was taking on the burden of "I want to tell the people."” quote by Nikki Giovanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d59/nikki-giovanni-1757_burden_i-knew-stokely-carmichael-and-them-but-w_1220940.jpg)
