11 Margaret Mead Quotes that Show Change Starts with You
Margaret Mead was an American anthropologist who mainly focused her studies and research on child rearing, personality, and culture.
During her career, Mead was also a renowned speaker, famous for her bold lectures on controversial social issues. In two of her major works, Mead says that male and female personality characteristics are not necessarily determined by heredity, but by society and cultural conditioning.
Another study that sparked controversy and a lot of criticism, approached the attitudes towards sex in three primitive societies; Mead’s reports on this subject had a major impact on the 1960s sexual revolution.i
A daring, independent woman who was not afraid to explore and talk about taboo topics, Margaret Mead remains a model and a teacher for all those willing to learn and challenge the status quo.
Here are 11 Margaret Mead quotes to make you see that change starts with you:
Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
It is utterly false and cruelly arbitrary to put all the play and learning into childhood, all the work into middle age, and all the regrets into old age.
I measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her fellow human beings.
Never ever depend on governments or institutions to solve any major problems. All social change comes from the passion of individuals.
Even though the ship may go down, the journey goes on.
The notion that we are products of our environment is our greatest sin; we are products of our choices.
One of the oldest human needs is having someone to wonder where you are when you don't come home at night.
You know my fury about people is based precisely on the fact that I consider them to be responsible, moral creatures who so often do not act that way.
What I am demanding of other people is what I am demanding of myself.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.