When silence is a choice, it is an unnerving presence. When silence is imposed, it is censorship.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
I grew up in a culture in which it was a sin for a woman to speak out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the struggle of women to express themselves in a repressive culture.
Terry Tempest Williams emphasizes the cultural barriers that women face, particularly the societal norms that discourage them from voicing their thoughts and opinions. Her statement reflects the importance of courage in overcoming silence imposed by societal expectations and highlights the broader issue of women's rights and the need for empowerment.
Themes
CultureSilenceWomenCourageVoice
In practice
Example use cases
During a women's empowerment seminar, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of speaking out.
More from Terry Tempest Williams
All quotes βThe human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions: Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinion? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up, trusting our fellow citizens to join us in our determined pursuit-a living democracy?
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn, and to sing at dusk, was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
I am slowly, painfully discovering that my refuge is not found in my mother, my grandmother, of even the birds of Bear River. My refuge exists in my capacity to love. If I can learn to love death then I can begin to find refuge in change.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
How do we remain faithful to our own spiritual imagination and not betray what we know in our own bodies? The world is holy. We are holy. All life is holy.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
The Eyes of the Future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
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