"I was born in ancient times, at the end of the world, in a patriarchal Catholic and conservative family. No wonder that by age five I was a raging feminist - although the term had not reached Chile yet, so nobody knew what the heck was wrong with me"
- Isabel Allende
About this Quote
This quote by Isabel Allende speaks with the power of her upbringing and the impact it had on her advancement. She was born into a conservative, Catholic, and patriarchal household, which likely did not promote an environment of gender equality. Regardless of this, by the age of five, she was currently a feminist, though the term had actually not yet reached Chile. This talks to her strength of character and her ability to recognize the significance of gender equality, even in a society that did not yet have the language to discuss it. Allende's quote is a testament to the power of the specific to acknowledge and defend what is right, even in the face of opposition. It is a reminder that all of us have the power to make a difference, no matter our circumstances.
About the Author