So long as all is ordered for attack, and that alone, leaders will instinctively increase the number of enemies that they may give their followers something to do.
William Butler YeatsRead
Once more, I am watching the most powerful men in the kingdom bring their power to bear on a woman who has done nothing worse than live to the beat of her own heart, see with her own eyes; but this is not their tempo nor their vision and they cannot tolerate any other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the struggle of individuals who dare to live authentically in the face of societal power and expectations.
Philippa Gregory's quote illustrates the conflict between individual authenticity and societal power structures. It emphasizes how those in positions of authority often react negatively to those who deviate from established norms, especially women who assert their independence and follow their own paths. The powerful men in the kingdom represent a society that values conformity and is threatened by the authentic expression of another's identity and vision.
Themes
PowerAuthenticityIndividualityResistanceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for women's rights, one might use this quote to highlight the challenges women face.
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