10 Quotes From Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis

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The main themes of Persepolis, family and revolution, stuck out to me as I picked my favorite quotes from Marjane Satrapi’s work. Those that I connected with the most revolve around Satrapi wanting to change both the world and herself through reading and education and being inspired by her family’s struggles. She looks to her Grandma and other loved ones for her ideas on politics and revolution and for reasons why she wants to change her world.

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“I wanted to be a prophet because our maid did not eat with us. Because my father had a Cadillac. And, above all, because my Grandmother’s knees always ached.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

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“I realized then that I didn’t understand anything. I read all the books I could.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

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“I finally understood what my grandmother meant. If I wasn’t comfortable with myself, I would never be comfortable.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return

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“Once again, I arrived at my usual conclusion: one must educate oneself.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

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“I want to be justice, love and the wrath of God all in one.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

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“Listen. I don’t like to preach, but here’s some advice. You’ll meet a lot of jerks in life. If they hurt you, remember it’s because they’re stupid. Don’t react to their cruelty. There’s nothing worse than bitterness and revenge. Keep your dignity and be true to yourself.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

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“Life is too short to be lived badly.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return

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“I had learned that you should always shout louder than your aggressor.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

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“In every religion, you find the same extremists.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return

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“To be the mistress of a married man is to have the better role. Do you realize? His dirty shirt, his disgusting underwear, his daily ironing, his bad breath, his hemorrhoid attacks, his fuss, not to mention his bad moods, and his tantrums. Well all that is for his wife.

When a married man comes to his mistress… he’s always bleached and ironed, his teeth sparkle, his breath is like perfume, he’s in a good mood, he’s full of conversation, he is there to have a good time with you.”

― Marjane Satrapi, Embroideries

*designs by Travis Young at Inkd

Which quotes from Persepolis most inspire you? Let us know in the comments.