Because I have work to care about, it is possible that I may be
Because I have work to care about, it is possible that I may be less difficult to get along with than other women when the double chins start to form.
Hear the voice of Gloria Steinem, warrior of thought and champion of freedom, who declared with wit and piercing honesty: “Because I have work to care about, it is possible that I may be less difficult to get along with than other women when the double chins start to form.” In this saying lies both humor and wisdom, a reflection on the burden of vanity and the liberation found in work that gives purpose beyond the body’s decline.
She speaks first of work to care about, the anchor of her life. For when one is consumed with purpose, the passing of years and the changes of form do not wound so deeply. While the world may worship youth and beauty, Steinem reminds us that true worth is not measured by smooth skin or slender frame, but by the labor of the soul. The one who finds meaning in work is not enslaved by the mirror.
The mention of double chins is not mockery but revelation—the inevitable marks of time upon the body. In a world that often shackles women to appearance, aging is made into a curse. Yet Steinem claims her freedom by turning her gaze from the vanity of fading flesh to the eternity of purposeful labor. Her humor cuts deep: it is not the loss of youth that makes one bitter, but the absence of meaning.
Thus, she declares that her work shields her from bitterness. With labor to love and causes to fight for, she need not cling desperately to the fleeting glory of youth. Purpose transforms aging from enemy to companion, for the hands that labor for justice, for truth, for creation, remain beautiful even as the body bends.
Let this teaching be passed to future generations: anchor yourself not in vanity, but in work that matters. Beauty will fade, bodies will change, but the soul that labors with love and conviction remains radiant. Steinem, with humor and defiance, calls us to rise beyond the tyranny of appearances and to find in purpose the fountain of eternal strength.
TVNguyen thao vy
Steinem’s quote brings a fresh perspective on how women cope with the societal obsession over their looks. But can focusing on work truly make us less concerned about superficiality, or does it just mask the issue? Does society give enough space for women to age naturally without guilt, or are we always supposed to prioritize success or youth? How do we create an environment where aging is seen as natural and beautiful, not as something to be avoided?
LTNguyen Thi Le Thuy
Gloria Steinem’s words reflect how many women feel the weight of society's obsession with physical appearance. Is it fair to suggest that focusing on work can be a way to avoid worrying about aging? How do we ensure that women, and people in general, can embrace aging gracefully without feeling pressured to hide natural changes in appearance? Shouldn’t self-worth be defined by more than just physical looks or professional achievements?
TNNguyen Thao Nhi
This quote is a great example of how Gloria Steinem challenges traditional gender norms. By pointing out that she may be 'less difficult to get along with' as she ages, she’s calling attention to how women’s beauty is often tied to their worth. But is it enough to simply shift focus away from appearance and onto work? How can we foster a culture where both women and men are valued for their actions and intellect, rather than their physical traits?
XPhoang xuan phat
Steinem’s quote seems to acknowledge how women are often expected to maintain a certain appearance, but she chooses to focus on work instead. I wonder, is it healthy to completely divert attention from physical concerns by immersing ourselves in our work? At what point does focusing on work become a coping mechanism, rather than a healthy form of distraction? Could we find a better balance between self-worth and external expectations?
KPHuynh Thi Kim Phuong
I love how Gloria Steinem uses humor to address a serious issue about how women are often judged based on their looks. But is it possible to fully detach from societal beauty standards? Shouldn't there be room for women to embrace aging, without having to shift focus to their work as a distraction? How do we reconcile self-acceptance with the pressure to look a certain way as we age?