When silence is a choice, it is an unnerving presence. When silence is imposed, it is censorship.
Word by word, the language of women so often begins with a whisper.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that women's voices and expressions often start quietly, reflecting their nuanced and delicate nature in communication.
Terry Tempest Williams emphasizes the subtlety and carefulness with which women often express themselves. The metaphor of 'whisper' captures the idea that women's language and feelings may be understated or gentle, perhaps resonating with the societal tendency to overlook or undervalue women's perspectives. This quote invites us to listen more closely to the softer voices that might carry profound insights and truths.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of listening to women's perspectives, this quote can highlight the subtle strength in their communication.
More from Terry Tempest Williams
All quotes βThe human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions: Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinion? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up, trusting our fellow citizens to join us in our determined pursuit-a living democracy?
Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn, and to sing at dusk, was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.
I am slowly, painfully discovering that my refuge is not found in my mother, my grandmother, of even the birds of Bear River. My refuge exists in my capacity to love. If I can learn to love death then I can begin to find refuge in change.
How do we remain faithful to our own spiritual imagination and not betray what we know in our own bodies? The world is holy. We are holy. All life is holy.
The Eyes of the Future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time.
Similar quotes
I think . . . I said things to Silas. He'll be angry.' 'If he didn't care about you, you couldn't upset him,' was all she said.
{Mrs. March to Jo} You are too much alike and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love.
I missed you even when I was with you. Thatβs been my problem. I miss what I already have, and I surround myself with things that are missing.
Compliments win friends, honesty loses them.
If you want to make a good first impression, smile at people. What does it cost to smile? Nothing. What does it cost not to smile? Everything, if not smiling prevents you from enchanting people.
My worst mistake has been not grasping that time goes by. It was going by and there I was, set in the attitude of the ideal wife of an ideal husband. Instead of bringing our sexual relationship to life again I brooded happily over memories of our former nights together.