We needed to be assertive as women
“
We needed to be assertive as women in those days
assertive and aggressive and the degree to
which we had to be that way depended on where you were.
I had to be.
”
Meaning
This quote means women often had to be unusually forceful to be taken seriously, especially in environments stacked against them. Survival required assertiveness.
About Author
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was an African-American mathematician whose calculations were critical to NASA’s space missions, including the Apollo moon landing. Her quotes often reflect precision, perseverance, and innovation. Johnson inspires scientists, students, and women in STEM to overcome barriers, pursue excellence, and contribute to groundbreaking achievements.
Related Quotes
“ I found what I was looking for at Langley. This was what a research mathematician did. I went to work every day for 33 years happy. Never did I get up and say I don't want to go to work. ”
This quote means Katherine Johnson found deep fulfillment in work that matched her talent exactly. A true vocation can sustain joy for decades.
“ I don't have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I'm as good as anybody, but no better. ”
This quote means true confidence does not depend on feeling above others or below them. Healthy self-respect is equal-minded.
“ Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men. ”
This quote means girls have the same abilities as boys and may even bring greater imagination to what they do. It rejects limits based on gender.