Bitter Quote by Voltairine de Cleyre
“If you choose the liberty and pride and strength of the single soul, and the free fraternization of men, as the purpose which your life is to make manifest then do not sell it for tinsel. Think that your soul is strong and will hold its way; and slowly, through bitter struggle perhaps the strength will grow.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Soul’s Purpose, 1895
Choosing personal liberty, pride, and collective fellowship should be pursued for their intrinsic value, not for superficial rewards.
In simple terms: Seek deep purpose over shallow rewards.
Key Takeaway
Live authentically and nurture inner strength.
Themes
freedom
pride
collectivism
purpose
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- social activism
- spiritual growth
Key Concepts
existentialism
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “selling your soul for tinsel” mean to you?
- How can you balance personal liberty with societal responsibilities?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may clash with material realities.
![“[T]o remain in a continually exalted moral condition is not human nature.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f76/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_character_t-o-remain-in-a-continually-exalted-mora_369043.jpg)
![“[The married woman is] is a bonded slave, who takes her master's name, her master's bread, and serves her master's passion; [and] who passes through the ordeal of pregnancy and the throes of travail at his dictation.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c98/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_bread_the-married-woman-is-is-a-bonded-slave-w_893588.jpg)
