I've never been resigned to ready-made ideas as I was to ready-made clothes, perhaps because although I couldn't sew, I could think.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of independent thinking over conforming to pre-existing ideas.
In this quote, Jane Rule expresses her disdain for accepting ideas that are not personally constructed or thought through, much like how one might reject ready-made clothes that don't fit. She highlights the difference between simply going along with societal norms and the value of engaging in original thought and critical analysis, suggesting that thinking is an essential skill that should be cultivated.
In practice
In a philosophy class discussing the importance of originality, one might use this quote to encourage students to develop their own ideas.
It's not the length but the quality of life that matters to me. It has always been important to me to write one sentence at a time, to live every day as if it were my last and judge it in those terms, often badly, not because it lacked grand gesture or grand passion but because it failed in the daily virtues of self-discipline, kindness, and laughter. It is love, very ordinary, human love, and not fear, which is the good teacher and the wisest judge.
I didn't want to be a boy, ever, but I was outraged that his height and intelligence were graces for him and gaucheries for me.
Coming out, all the way out, is offered more and more as the political solution to our oppression.
Who is strong? He that can conquer his bad habits.
I would rather discover one true cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.
A life all turbulence and noise may seem To him that leads it wise and to be praised, But wisdom is a pearl with most success Sought in still waters.
Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives not looking for flaws, but looking for potential.
Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like.
I have found that I always learn more from my mistakes than from my successes. If you aren't making some mistakes, you aren't taking enough chances.
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