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Life has to be protected. It is precarious. I would even go so far as to say that precarious life is, in a way, a Jewish value for me.
Judith Butler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Life is fragile and must be valued, reflecting a moral perspective.

Judith Butler emphasizes the precariousness of life, suggesting that its fragile nature demands protection and respect. This notion aligns with certain ethical values she associates with Jewish thought, indicating that the acknowledgment of life's vulnerability encapsulates a profound moral obligation to safeguard it.

Themes

LifePrecariousValueProtectionEthics

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about social justice, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of valuing life.

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I do not deny certain kinds of biological differences. But I always ask under what conditions, under what discursive and institutional conditions, do certain biological differences - and they're not necessary ones, given the anomalous state of bodies in the world - become the salient characteristics of sex.
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Sexual harassment law is very important. But I think it would be a mistake if the sexual harassment law movement is the only way in which feminism is known in the media.
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We act and walk and speak and talk in ways that consolidate an impression of being a man or being a woman.
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Quote by Judith Butler | QuoteProject