Marilynne Robinson Quotes

One-fifth of the people are against everything all the time.

There's a certain group of people who are always going to dislike me and disagree with whatever I say.

Opposition is an inevitable reality of pastoral life.

You never want conflict. But sometimes conflict is inevitable.

I don't like it when people tell me I'm wrong.

To be against something or someone, it's a dangerous thing.

If you're doing your job right, some substantial group of people [is] going to be mad at you.

How can you argue with a woman who won't?

People more easily tolerate opposition than a contradiction

I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.

He who is reluctant to recognize me opposes me.

In real life, I tend to yell at people a lot. Not because I'm bossy or mean, but because I'm frustrated.

For me, opposition is just another opposition.

To oppose something is to maintain it.

We didn't do anything wrong... Some are frustrated that we did it this way.

To be in opposition is not to be a nihilist.

I am used to controversies.

I think what makes people fascinating is conflict, it's drama, it's the human condition. Nobody wants to watch perfection.

I admit that invective is one of my pleasures. This only brings me problems in life, but that's it. I attack, I insult. I have a gift for that, for insults, for provocation. So I am tempted to use it.

Naturally, when one makes progressive steps, there may be some who see it as a betrayal of their goals and interests.

I love being objected to. It worries me, but I love being objected to.

I had hoped you would protest, but please don't argue.

Are people angry with me? Sure, anything you do in your life, people are going to be angry at you.

Harsh counsels have no effect; they are like hammers, which are always repulsed by the anvil.

Controversy is only dreaded by the advocates of error.