The strange power of art is sometimes it can show that what people have in common is more urgent than what differentiates them. It seems to me it's something that theatre can do, but it's rare; it's very rare.
John BergerRead
Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the dynamics of perception and self-awareness between genders.
John Berger's quote suggests a complex interplay of gazes between men and women, emphasizing how men often view women from an external perspective, while women are acutely aware of how they are perceived and often engage in self-surveillance. This reflection raises questions about objectification and the societal pressures on women to conform to certain ideals based on male observation, indicating a cycle of awareness and performance in social interactions.
Themes
Male GazePerceptionSelf-AwarenessObjectificationGender Dynamics
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on gender roles, this quote can be used to illustrate the societal dynamics of observation.
More from John Berger
All quotes βUnlike any other visual image, a photograph is not a rendering, an imitation or an interpretation of its subject, but actually a trace of it. No painting or drawing, however naturalist, belongs to its subject in the way that a photograph does.
John BergerRead
We never look at just one thing; we are always looking at the relation between things and ourselves.
John BergerRead
The camera relieves us of the burden of memory. It surveys us like God, and it surveys for us. Yet no other god has been so cynical, for the camera records in order to forget.
John BergerRead
Propaganda requires a permanent network of communication so that it can systematically stifle reflection with emotive or utopian slogans. Its pace is usually fast.
John BergerRead
Being a unique superpower undermines the military intelligence of strategy. To think strategically, one has to imagine oneself in the enemy's place. If one cannot do this, it is impossible to foresee, to take by surprise, to outflank. Misinterpreting an enemy can lead to defeat. This is how empires fall.
John BergerRead
Similar quotes
Perhaps I can say that I am a bit astute, that I can adapt to circumstances, but it is also true that I am a bit naive. Yes, but the best summary, the one that comes more from the inside and I feel most true is this: I am a sinner whom the Lord has looked upon.
Pope FrancisRead
They can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society.
James MadisonRead
Become the director, producer, choreographer of your own story
Deepak ChopraRead
If by some magic, autism had been eradicated from the face of the Earth, then men would still be socializing in front of a wood fire at the entrance to a cave.
Temple GrandinRead
Murder is always a mistake. One should never do anything that one cannot talk about after dinner.
Oscar WildeRead
We like to continue to believe what we have been accustomed to accept as true, and the resentment aroused when doubt is cast upon any of our assumptions leads us to seek every manner of excuse for clinging to them. The result is that most of our so-called reasoning consists in finding arguments for going on believing as we already do.
James Harvey RobinsonRead