“Self-defense is an act that implies you have something valuable to defend. After the instinct, you begin to wonder. What, specifically, was I aiming to save? What, beyond instinct, makes life worth saving?”
In this thought-provoking quote by Emily Arsenault, the concept of self-defense is explored beyond the physical act. Arsenault challenges the reader to consider the value of what they are defending and to question what makes life worth saving. This quote highlights the complexity and depth of human instinct and the underlying motivations that drive our actions. It prompts us to reflect on our own beliefs and values when it comes to self-preservation.
In today's world, where conflicts and threats can arise at any moment, the concept of self-defense holds significant importance. Emily Arsenault's words remind us that self-defense goes beyond just physical protection - it is about acknowledging and valuing the worth of our own lives. By reflecting on what truly makes life worth saving, we can better understand our motivations for self-preservation and make more conscious decisions when faced with dangerous situations.
"Self-defense is an act that implies you have something valuable to defend. After the instinct, you begin to wonder. What, specifically, was I aiming to save? What, beyond instinct, makes life worth saving?" - Emily Arsenault
As Emily Arsenault eloquently puts it, self-defense implies that we have something valuable to defend. It prompts us to consider what exactly we are trying to protect and why it is worth saving. Here are some reflective questions to ponder on this topic:
“It seems to me there are things we should have talked about. Like, what happens if you think you've found the love of your life, but you notice, whenever you go into the city together, that he walks ahead of you in the subway station, and doesn't look behind for you until after he's gotten on the subway? And what if you find yourself wishing you did not have to tell him to wait for you? What if being with him starts to mean having to say those things..."Honey, what for me?" And you start to resent him making you do that in order to keep him walking by your side?”
“It is not an act of bravery to try to save your own village. It is an instinct to protect what you possess. Bravery is when you step in to help when you have nothing to lose.”
“I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.”
“I miss us too. I always have and I probably always will. Sometimes there are no happy endings. No matter what, I'll be losing something, someone. But maybe that's what it all comes down to. Love, not as a surge of passion, but as a choice to commit to something, someone, no matter what obstacles or temptations stand in the way. And maybe making that choice again and again, day in and day out, year after year,says more about love than never having a choice to make at all.”
“But I have learned that you make your own happiness, that part of going for what you want means losing something else. And when the stakes are high, the losses can be that much greater.”
“Sometimes there are no happy endings, No matter what, I'll be losing something, someone. But maybe that's what it all comes down to. Love, not as a surge of passion, but as a choice to commit to something, someone, no matter what obstacles or temptations stand in the way. And maybe making that choice, again and again, day in and day out, year after year, says more about love than never having a choice to make at all.”