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About this quote

What does it mean?
The real problem is that the person is silenced from the start, not what they choose to say.
In plain terms
You are not in trouble for what you say, but for being told to shut up in the first place.
What can you take from it?
Focus on why speech is restricted instead of policing word choice.

Where it applies

  • censorship
  • conflict
  • relationship dynamics

Putting it to work

  • advocating for free speech
  • challenging authority
  • open dialogue

Questions to consider

  • Who decides what should be said?
  • How do you react when silenced?

Another view

Sometimes speech does need boundaries to protect others or maintain order.

More from Alice Borchardt

  1. It is human, I think, when we encounter the marvelous to try and bring away some of it with us

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  2. Good practical intelligence. Why screech when there is no one to comfort you?

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. I am no ordinary woman, and born to a different fate. I would not go whimpering.

    Permalink to quote #30

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