Sharp, witty, and far ahead of her time, Jane Austen crafted novels that brilliantly satirized the social norms of 19th-century England while giving voice to intelligent, self-assured women. This line is spoken by the character Emma Woodhouse in Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma,” a comedy of manners that centers on a confident young woman with a fondness for matchmaking. Beneath its playful tone, the quote reveals something more serious: a lesson in self-respect. Emma’s declaration isn’t about her being spoiled or entitled; it’s about the high standards she sets for how she expects others to treat her. In our own lives, Emma’s words serve as a reminder that setting boundaries for how we wish to be treated can lead to a stronger sense of self-worth and richer relationships.
