Rachel

“What is a woman's place in this modern world? Jasnah Kholin's words read. I rebel against this question, though so many of my peers ask it. The inherent bias in the inquiry seems invisible to so many of them. They consider themselves progressive because they are willing to challenge many of the assumptions of the past.

They ignore the greater assumption--that a 'place' for women must be defined and set forth to begin with. Half of the population must somehow be reduced to the role arrived at by a single conversation. No matter how broad that role is, it will be--by-nature--a reduction from the infinite variety that is womanhood.

I say that there is no role for women--there is, instead, a role for each woman, and she must make it for herself. For some, it will be the role of scholar; for others, it will be the role of wife. For others, it will be both. For yet others, it will be neither.

Do not mistake me in assuming I value one woman's role above another. My point is not to stratify our society--we have done that far to well already--my point is to diversify our discourse.

A woman's strength should not be in her role, whatever she chooses it to be, but in the power to choose that role. It is amazing to me that I even have to make this point, as I see it as the very foundation of our conversation.”
― Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
― Marthe Troly-Curtin, Phrynette Married

“Is it weird,” he says outside a teashop, “that I feel so safe here?” I lift a curious eyebrow. “Everyone looks like”—his eyelashes flutter when he inhales—“like me.” All around, there are gorgeous shades of brown. Rich dark complexions. Warm sepia skin and cool russet tones. Different faces, body shapes, each person carrying their own swagger. For once, Reiss and I aren’t two Black boys in a pale sea, like at Willow Wood. Here, Reiss doesn’t stand out. He’s one of us.”
― Julian Winters, Prince of the Palisades

“A woman's strength should not be in her role, whatever she chooses to be, but in the power to choose that role.”
― Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance