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I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me.
Erica Jong
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes overcoming fear and taking control of one's emotions.

Erica Jong's quote highlights the importance of acknowledging fear as a natural human emotion, while also asserting the power of choice in how one responds to that fear. By stating that she continues to experience fear, but has chosen not to let it dominate her actions, Jong encourages individuals to confront their fears rather than be paralyzed by them, promoting a mindset of empowerment and resilience.

Themes

FearControlEmpowermentCourageResilience

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, this quote can serve to inspire the audience to confront their own fears.

More from Erica Jong

My reaction to porno films is as follows: After the first ten minutes, I want to go home and screw. After the first twenty minutes, I never want to screw again as long as I live.
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I have accepted fear as a part of life - specifically the fear of change... I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.
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No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool. Writers, alas, have to be fools in public, while the rest of the human race can cover its tracks.
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My generation was not only maligned in book reviews and attacked in graduate school but we lived to see our adored and adorable daughters wonder why feminism had become a dirty word.
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Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.
Erica JongRead
I believe that women should live for love, for motherhood and for intellect, and I believe we shouldn't have to choose. And I believe that's always been difficult for women, to express themselves intellectually, maternally, and passionately.
Erica JongRead

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