"Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats"

This quote by Diane Arbus speaks with the concept that those who have experienced trauma in life remain in some ways more privileged than those who have not. She suggests that those who have actually already gone through a terrible experience have already passed a test in life, and are thus "aristocrats". This indicates that those who have gone through trauma have a higher understanding of life and its hardships, and are thus more prepared for the future. This quote also speaks to the concept that most people go through life fearing a traumatic experience, as they are not gotten ready for the emotional and psychological toll it can take. Nevertheless, those who have already gone through injury have already faced their fears and have a higher understanding of life. This quote speaks with the concept that those who have gone through injury remain in some ways more privileged than those who have not.