She would be no one if that was what it took. No one had no holes inside her.
This quote from George R.R. Martin's "A Feast for Crows" explores a profound truth about human nature and identity. The statement "She would be no one if that was what it took" implies a rejection of losing one's essence or dignity in order to achieve something—perhaps survival, acceptance, or power. It suggests that compromising one's core self to fit a mold or to gain approval is a loss so great that it essentially renders one non-existent, symbolized by becoming "no one."
The second sentence, "No one had no holes inside her," highlights the inherent imperfection and vulnerability that resides within everyone. The phrase "holes inside her" metaphorically represents flaws, emotional wounds, or weaknesses. Martin acknowledges that nobody is perfect or complete; every individual carries some form of internal fracture or gap. These imperfections form part of one's humanity and identity. Hence, rather than striving for a hollow perfection that eliminates these "holes," accepting or confronting them is vital for maintaining one's selfhood.
This quote profoundly speaks to the struggles of maintaining identity amid external pressures to change or conform. It underscores that striving for wholeness involves embracing the imperfect, acknowledging vulnerabilities, and resisting the temptation to erase those parts of the self that might seem faulty but are essential for authenticity. Ultimately, it champions the value of personal integrity over any superficial or external standard that demands denying or reducing the complexity of who one truly is.