“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
table of contents
Quote
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Explanation
This quote, one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s most famous, emphasizes the power of self-perception and emotional autonomy. By stating that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent, she asserts that our self-worth is not determined by others’ opinions, but by our own response to them. Insults and judgments only wound when we accept them as valid, giving away control over our self-image.
Roosevelt herself faced criticism and doubt throughout her life—about her appearance, her activism, and her political influence. Yet she remained steadfast, demonstrating through both word and action that dignity comes from within. This quote reflects her belief that confidence, like inferiority, is a choice, and that individuals hold the power to define their own value.
In modern contexts—especially in the face of bullying, discrimination, or social pressure—this quote serves as a powerful tool of empowerment. It reminds us that while we cannot always control what others say or think, we can control how we internalize it. Roosevelt’s wisdom encourages us to reclaim our self-respect and refuse to let others dictate our sense of worth.
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