Ashamed Quote by Philip Jose Farmer
“It's a peculiarity of the Norwegian culture and of the English and American, too, that men are not supposed to cry. Stiff upper lip and all that. But the Vikings cried like women in public or privately. They soaked their beards with tears and were not one bit ashamed about it. Yet, they were as quick to draw their swords as they were to shed tears. So, what's all this crap about men having to hold in their sorrow and grief and disappointment?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Lovers, by Philip José Farmer, 1961
The quote challenges the stereotype that men must suppress emotions, noting that even fierce warriors like Vikings expressed grief openly.
In simple terms: Men can show emotion without losing strength.
Key Takeaway
Accept and express feelings.
Themes
masculinity
emotional expression
culture
stereotypes
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
observational
analytical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- mental health
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
gender norms
historical perspective
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does showing vulnerability affect leadership?
- What cultural factors shape emotional norms?
A Different Perspective
Cultural expectations can pressure men to hide emotions, causing internal conflict.
