You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
We were taught to be dependable, responsible, the top of our classes at school, the most organized and efficient babysitters in town, the very miniature models of our hardworking farmer/nurse mother, a pair of junior Swiss Army knives, born to multitask.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the pressure to be perfect and excel in multiple roles from a young age.
Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on the expectations placed on children to embody qualities of dependability, responsibility, and efficiency. She illustrates how these ideals can make one feel like a 'miniature model' of their hardworking parents, highlighting the pressure to excel in every area of life from academic performance to practical skills like babysitting. The imagery of 'junior Swiss Army knives' captures the expectation to be versatile and capable, capable of multitasking effortlessly.
Themes
DependabilityResponsibilityMultitaskingExpectationsPressure
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing students about the importance of balance in life, this quote could illustrate the pressure they face.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
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I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
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When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
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And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
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