“You got to make your own worlds. You got to write yourself in. Whether you were a part of the mainstream or not, you have to write yourself in.”
What this quote means
Octavia Butler, as an African American science fiction author, had to carve her way in a genre dominated by others. This quote is a call to agency: instead of waiting to be included, one must create one's own place, write one's own story. This applies to anyone who feels marginalized or excluded from the dominant narrative. It's a powerful reminder that we have the power to define our identity and destiny, even if it means building a new world.
How to apply it daily
Identify an area where you feel excluded or invisible. Take a concrete action to leave your mark: write a text, create a project, or join a community that resembles you.
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