"I would rather clean than beg"

In this quote, Ayaan Hirsi Ali expresses her strong preference for hard work and self-sufficiency over relying on others for aid. By stating she would rather tidy than beg, she is stressing the importance of individual obligation and the worth of making one's own living. This statement also highlights the negative connotations connected with pleading, which is often viewed as a last option for those who are unable to support themselves. Hirsi Ali's words communicate a sense of determination and pride in being able to take care of oneself, rather than relying on the generosity of others.