People have a problem with me being different, but that propels me forward in life.
Mary-Louise ParkerRead
Words are really powerful. I don't believe that axiom at all - words can absolutely hurt you. Words can wound. They can do a lot of damage. I think they can do way more damage than sticks and stones. I'll take sticks and stones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Words can have a profound impact, often causing emotional pain that can last longer than physical injuries.
In this quote, Mary-Louise Parker emphasizes the significant, sometimes damaging power of words, suggesting that their emotional effect can be much more severe than physical harm inflicted by objects. She challenges the common adage that 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me' by asserting that the wounds caused by words can be deep and lasting, highlighting the importance of choosing words carefully in our interactions.
Themes
WordsPowerHurtEmotionalDamage
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of communication, one might say, 'As Mary-Louise Parker wisely noted, words can indeed wound us more deeply than physical objects.'
More from Mary-Louise Parker
All quotes →Similar quotes
Abstracted hatred is incredibly potent. There's never the risk of having it challenged by the reality of living human beings.
Masha GessenRead
There is only one you. God wanted you to be you. Don't you dare change just because you're outnumbered!
Charles R. SwindollRead
In a healthy individual, a broken bone that has healed properly is strongest where it was once broken. You have not lost any life, Henry told himself. You will still get your fair share of years. Yet the quality of his life changed. Once you've been struck by violence, you acquire companions that never leave you entirely: Suspicion, Fear, Anxiety, Despair, Joylessness. The natural smile is taken from you and the natural pleasures you once enjoyed lose their appeal.
Yann MartelRead
There are so many men and women who hold no distinctive positions but whose contribution towards the development of society has been enormous.
Nelson MandelaRead
Nothing has been purchased more dearly than the little bit of reason and sense of freedom which now constitutes our pride.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
If there is suffering, then it's best to accept it, because it won't go away just because you pretend it's not there. If there is joy, then it's best to accept that too, even though you're afraid it might end one day.
Paulo CoelhoRead