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What does it take to be the first female anything? It takes grit, and it takes grace.
Meryl Streep
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Interpretation

What this quote means

It requires determination and poise to break barriers as a woman in any field.

Meryl Streep's quote emphasizes the dual qualities of grit and grace necessary for women to achieve significant milestones in traditionally male-dominated spaces. It highlights that while perseverance and strength are critical for overcoming challenges, the manner in which one navigates these obstacles—with dignity and elegance—also plays a vital role in success.

Themes

GritGraceWomenSuccessCourage

In practice

Example use cases

During a women's leadership conference to inspire young girls.

More from Meryl Streep

My advice: Don't waste so much time worrying about your skin or your weight. Develop what you do, what you put your hands on in the world.
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I believe in imagination. I did Kramer vs Kramer before I had children. But the mother I would be was already inside me.
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I believe in a world of opposites and that’s why I avoid people with rigid and inflexible personalities.
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Service is the only thing that's important about love. Everybody is worried about 'losing yourself' - all this narcissism. Duty. We can't stand that idea now either... But duty might be a suit of armor you put on to fight for your love.
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Integrate what you believe in every single area of your life. Take your heart to work and ask the most and best of everybody else, too.
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