"You see someone on the street, and essentially what you notice about them is the flaw"
- Diane Arbus
About this Quote
This quote by Diane Arbus talks to the idea that when we look at somebody, we tend to focus on their defects instead of their strengths. This is a reflection of our society's propensity to judge individuals based on their physical appearance or other superficial qualities. Arbus is suggesting that we need to take an action back and look at the individual as an entire, rather than simply concentrating on their flaws. She is motivating us to look beyond the surface area and see the person for who they really are. By doing this, we can appreciate the appeal and complexity of the person, instead of simply seeing them as a collection of flaws. Arbus' quote is a reminder that we ought to aim to look at people with an open mind and heart, and to acknowledge the appeal in everybody.
About the Author