Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine

Hearken, children of wisdom and courage, to the words of William Moulton Marston, the thinker and visionary, who proclaimed with clarity: "Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine archetype lacks force, strength, and power." In these words lies a meditation upon the nature of identity, societal expectation, and the liberation of the spirit. Marston teaches that the ideals presented to the young—archetypes of femininity—must embody courage, capability, and authority, for it is through these images that hearts and minds learn to recognize their own potential.

The first revelation is that representation shapes desire and self-perception. When the models of femininity are passive, weak, or subservient, even girls are taught, consciously or unconsciously, to limit themselves. Strength and power are not only qualities to admire in others; they must be seen as inherent to one’s own identity. Marston reminds us that the forces we venerate in archetypes guide the formation of courage, ambition, and self-respect.

History provides luminous examples of the power of feminine strength. Consider Joan of Arc, who, in the thirteenth year of her life, dared to embody courage, leadership, and divine conviction. She shattered expectations of femininity in her age, inspiring soldiers and nation alike. The archetype she became—undaunted, commanding, and resolute—served as a beacon for those who sought to recognize the force and authority inherent in womanhood.

Marston’s insight also illuminates the psychological necessity of empowered models. A society that venerates only gentleness or passivity as feminine denies girls the vision of what they might become. Strength, resilience, and decisiveness must be woven into the narrative of identity, so that the next generation may embrace their full potential without shame or constraint. Without these qualities present in archetypes, girls may turn from them, longing for something more substantial and complete.

Even in modern times, this principle holds true. Rosa Parks, a woman of quiet yet unyielding strength, exemplified the transformative force of personal courage. Her refusal to yield her seat on that Montgomery bus resonated not because of loudness or spectacle, but because of the clarity and power of conviction. Parks became an archetype of strength, proving that femininity encompasses force, dignity, and influence, reshaping the consciousness of her society.

The metaphor extends beyond gender to all forms of identity: those who are denied strong, authentic role models may struggle to realize their own capacities. Marston’s words teach that societies flourish when archetypes reflect the full spectrum of human power, embodying courage, creativity, and resilience. Only then can individuals aspire confidently, without internalizing limitations imposed by tradition or stereotype.

Practically, the lesson is to cultivate and honor strength in role models—to seek out, create, and celebrate examples of courage, wisdom, and empowerment. Encourage young people to see themselves reflected in figures who embody force, authority, and potential, and challenge archetypes that confine, diminish, or marginalize. By doing so, one nurtures confidence, ambition, and the belief that power is inherent and attainable.

Thus, let this teaching echo through the generations: not even girls will fully embrace themselves until the feminine archetype embodies force, strength, and power. Marston reminds us that the ideals we present shape identity, inspire courage, and awaken potential. By honoring and exemplifying empowered models, we prepare the soul for self-realization, dignity, and enduring influence, ensuring that every individual may rise to the fullness of their inherent strength.