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Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself.
Gloria Steinem
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Empowerment comes from taking control of your own power rather than relying on others to grant it to you.

This quote by Gloria Steinem emphasizes the idea that true power is not something that can be bestowed upon individuals; rather, it must be seized through one's own actions and determination. The act of taking power is itself an empowering experience, highlighting the importance of self-agency and the responsibility each person has in claiming their own strength and rights.

Themes

EmpowermentPowerSelf-AgencyStrengthControl

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about leadership, one could use this quote to inspire individuals to take the initiative.

More from Gloria Steinem

I have me brave women who are exploring the outer edge of human possibility, with no history to guide them, and with a courage to make themselves vulnerable that I find moving beyond words.
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If women are supposed to be less rational and more emotional at the beginning of our menstrual cycle when the female hormone is at its lowest level, then why isn't it logical to say that, in those few days, women behave the most like the way men behave all month long?
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Age brings a freedom. When you're young, you're much more subject to the idea of what feminine is or how you should look or how you should behave.
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All those chemicals that create empathy only work when you are in a room together.
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Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.
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Obviously, there is much similarity among the challenges of transgender people and all women - from health care to harassment to discrimination in the workplace.
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