We would have every arbitrary barrier thrown down. We would have every path laid open to woman as freely as to man.
I fear I have not one good word to say this fair morning, though the sun shines so encouragingly on the distant hills and gentle river and the trees are in their festive hues. I am not festive, though contented. When obliged to give myself to the prose of life, as I am on this occasion of being established in a new home I like to do the thing, wholly and quite, - to weave my web for the day solely from the grey yarn.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a struggle between the external beauty of nature and the internal feelings of discontent, highlighting the complexity of human emotions.
Margaret Fuller reflects on a day that seems beautiful from the outside, with sunlight illuminating the scenery and vibrant colors in nature, yet she feels an internal conflict of not being able to express joy. This juxtaposition of her emotional state against the backdrop of nature illustrates the complexities of life, where one can feel both content and somber simultaneously. Her mention of weaving her web for the day from 'grey yarn' symbolizes her choice to embrace her reality, despite its lack of festive cheer.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about the complexity of emotions at a mental health seminar.
More from Margaret Fuller
All quotes βPlants of great vigor will almost always struggle into blossom, despite impediments. But there should be encouragement, and a free genial atmosphere for those of more timid sort, fair play for each in its own kind.
Two persons love in one another the future good which they aid one another to unfold.
It was not meant that the soul should cultivate the earth, but that the earth should educate and maintain the soul.
It seems that it is madder never to abandon one's self than often to be infatuated; better to be wounded, a captive and a slave, than always to walk in armor.
I now know all the people worth knowing in America, and I find no intellect comparable to my own.
Similar quotes
At any given moment, we each face a barrage of obligations, often disparate and distinct from what we thought would happen when we woke up. From the tragic to the common to the extraordinary, life refuses to be divvied up into careful slices of time. No technology can manage to overcome the realities of reality.
But this time I'm not to blame; I want you to believe that. I simply slipped into those violets. No, I want to be really truthful. I am a little to blame. The sky, you know, was gold, and the ground all blue, and for a moment he looked like some one in a book.
Every time I close my eyes blowing that trumpet of mine, I look right into the heart of good old New Orleans. It has given me something to live for.
Daily dawns another day; I must up, to make my way. Though I dress and drink and eat, Move my fingers and my feet, Learn a little, here and there, Weep and laugh and sweat and swear, Hear a song, or watch a stage, Leave some words upon a page, Claim a foe, or hail a friend- Bed awaits me at the end.
I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted.
Dear, don't think of getting out of bed yet. I've always suspected that early rising in early life makes one nervous.