Feels Quote by Susie Orbach
“No one likes to feel helpless. We find it psychologically unbearable and inside ourselves we may try to make ourselves part author of our misfortune rather than simply the recipient of it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Drama of Being a Woman by Susie Orbach, 1976
People resist feeling powerless, so they often claim responsibility for misfortune to avoid the pain of being a passive victim.
In simple terms: We avoid helplessness by claiming blame.
Key Takeaway
Own your feelings without self‑blaming.
Themes
psychology
control
self‑perception
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal therapy
- relationship counseling
- stress management
- leadership training
Key Concepts
agency
defense mechanisms
identity
emotional resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you react when you feel powerless?
- When does taking responsibility become self‑punishment?
A Different Perspective
It can ignore genuine external constraints and over‑emphasize personal control.