10 times Angelina Jolie reminded us to be lion-hearted with our activism

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie needs no introduction. The 45-year old actor, filmmaker, social activist, humanitarian and philanthropist has received numerous accolades and recognition for her immense contribution in every arena she has been involved in. These Angelina Jolie quotes we have collated remind every one of us to be generous with our activism.

Angelina Jolie is the megastar who promotes various causes, ranging from conservation to women's rights. In fact, she is noted for her advocacy on behalf of refugees as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Moreover, she also won the reputed Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her humanitarian efforts.

Angelina Jolie is also a lioness-hearted woman who is known for her vocal and opined stances and actions on various matters. From being a supermom to six children and promoting adoption to raising awareness on breast and ovarian cancer by talking openly about her double mastectomy and surgical removal of her ovaries, the actor has never failed to inspire people with her exceptionally remarkable and headstrong personality.

Angelina Jolie Quotes To Enlighten, Inspire and Empower Every Woman Inside You

Angelina is undoubtedly a feminist too who has written, produced and/or acted in feminist retelling of Maleficent as well as wartime genre movies which highlight the plight of people in war-torn areas, especially women's. A strong advocate against female genital mutilation, child marriage and other atrocities against women around the world on international platforms, she is a feminist idol we should definitely look up to! Here are a few of the inspiring quotes by Angelina Jolie to empower every person who is reading this article:

On status of women in conflict zones and gender equality

"Denying half a population representation in peace negotiations or in government is not the route to long-term stability. There are many examples around the world of successful and inspiring women, but women and girls are still the majority of the victims of war, over half the world’s refugees, and the vast majority of victims of rape and sexual violence. If the world accepted the principle that those affected by a problem should be charged with determining a solution, then the majority of the world’s peace negotiators, foreign ministers and diplomats would be women.

We all know the reality. The reality of unequal power relations, abuse of power, gender bias, violence and lack of justice have kept many women in a subordinate and vulnerable position internationally."

On sexual violence against women

"It is a myth that rape is an inevitable part of conflict... There is nothing inevitable about it. It is a weapon of war aimed at civilians. It has nothing to do with sex — everything to do with power. It is done to torture and humiliate innocent people and often very young children.”

On motherhood

"With my family, I'm trying to raise them to have respect for all people and make friends around the world and feel at home with the world and really live a truly global because I think it's what forms them and it's really important to me," 

"Children are clearly a commitment, a bigger commitment . It's for life."

"Artists raise their kids differently. We communicate to the point where we probably annoy our children. We have art around the house, we have books, we go to plays, we talk. Our focus is art and painting and dress-up and singing. It's what we love. So I think you can see how artists in some way raise other artists."

On single parenthood of the underprivileged

"I’m not a single mom with two jobs trying to get by every day. I have much more support than most people, most women in this world. And I have the financial means to have a home and health care and food. Consider all the people who really struggle and don’t have the financial means, don’t have the support, and many people are single raising children. That’s hard." 

Angelina Jolie Quotes On adoption

"When I was growing up I wanted to adopt, because I was aware there were kids that didn't have parents. It's not a humanitarian thing, because I don't see it as a sacrifice. It's a gift."

“All adopted children come with a beautiful mystery of a world that is meeting yours.”

"I'm drawn to kids that are already born. I think some people are meant to do certain things, and I believe I'm meant to find my children in the world somewhere and not necessarily have them genetically."

On raising awareness about breast and ovarian cancer

"On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity."

"For any woman reading this, I hope it helps you to know you have options. I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices."

"I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action... It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested, and that if they have a high risk they, too, will know that they have strong options. Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of."

On being 'bold'

"Be brave, be bold, be free.” 

“Make bold choices and make mistakes. It’s all those things that add to the person you become.” 

Miscellaneous one-liners

If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” 

“Different is good.  When someone tells you that you are different, smile and hold your head up and be proud.” 

“Save one-third, live on one-third, and give away one-third.”

"If I can’t have those things then I feel like a caged animal and I’d rather not be in a cage. I’d rather be dead."

“I’ve been reckless, but I’m not a rebel without a cause."

“People say that you’re going the wrong way when it’s simply a way of your own.”

“I have so much in my life.  I want to be of value to the world.” 

“If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me.” 

Angelina Jolie quotes to remind us to be lion-hearted with our activism