QuoteProject
Don't you know how much I hero-worshiped you when I was a kid? You were Marie Curie crossed with Emily Bronte crossed with Joan of Arc to me when I was ten. And when i told you that, you said my cultural references were the sign of a colonized mind.
Kamila Shamsie
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects admiration and the complex relationship between personal inspiration and cultural identity.

In this quote, the speaker expresses deep admiration for someone who inspired them during childhood, combining iconic figures like Marie Curie, Emily Bronte, and Joan of Arc to illustrate their impact. However, the response points to a nuanced critique of how cultural influences can be perceived as limiting or indicative of a 'colonized mind', highlighting the tension between personal admiration and the awareness of cultural identity and history.

Themes

AdmirationCultural IdentityInspirationHeroesChildhood

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of role models in shaping our identities.

More from Kamila Shamsie

There’s a ghost of a dream that you don’t even try to shake free off because you’re too in love with the way she haunts you.
Kamila ShamsieRead
How horrifying that morning when you wake up and your first thought is not of the person who has left. That’s when you know, I will never die of a broken heart.
Kamila ShamsieRead

Similar quotes

Advice? I don't offer advice. Not my business. Your life is what you make it.
Betty FriedanRead
Ecstasy is from the contemplation of things vaster than the individual and imperfectly seen perhaps, by all those that still live.
William Butler YeatsRead
The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
Bertrand RussellRead
A man is hindered and distracted in proportion as he draws outward things to himself.
Thomas A KempisRead
I don't care if someone is new to acting or experienced in acting: you always learn something from them. It's just like people in life - whether they're young or middle-aged or old, you always learn something from someone.
Viola DavisRead
Sometimes we complain without thinking much of it, but the frightening thing about complaining is that every time we do, a cloud descends over our heart, and our hope, appreciation and joy gradually wane.
Daisaku IkedaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.