27 Top Submissive Quotes (with Explanation)

Submissive quotes really focus on the benefits of not always needing to be in control. They show you how stepping back and being open to what happens can actually make you feel stronger and more relaxed.

These quotes encourage you to be flexible and open to change, which can help you grow and improve your relationships with others.

Best Submissive Quotes

“True strength lies in surrender.” – Anais Nin

This quote by Anais Nin highlights the paradoxical nature of strength and vulnerability. Surrender, often perceived as a sign of weakness, is reframed here as a source of true strength.

In the act of letting go, there is a profound power and peace that can be found, suggesting that the greatest courage may actually reside in our ability to yield and be vulnerable.

Also read: Jocko Willink Quotes (with Explanation)

“Submission is not weakness, but strength disguised.” – Unknown

This perspective challenges common misconceptions about submission, presenting it as a hidden form of strength rather than a weakness. It suggests that choosing to submit can be a strategic and powerful choice, one that requires inner confidence and control.

This form of strength is about knowing when to exert power and when to reserve it, demonstrating wisdom and maturity.

“Obedience, submission, discipline, courage–these are among the characteristics which make a man.” – Samuel Smiles

Samuel Smiles emphasizes that qualities like obedience and submission are essential for personal development and character building. By embracing these traits, individuals demonstrate discipline and courage, which are vital for achieving personal and professional growth.

This quote underscores the importance of these characteristics in shaping one’s identity and life path.

“To submit isn’t to be forced. It’s to yield to a force greater than your own, in order to become part of the whole.” – Dianna Hardy

Dianna Hardy articulates that submission is a voluntary act, not one of coercion. It involves acknowledging and aligning with a greater force, allowing oneself to integrate into something larger than individual existence.

This view of submission is about connection and unity, rather than loss of agency.

“Love is giving up control. It’s surrendering the desire to control the other person. The two—love and controlling power over the other person—are mutually exclusive. If we are serious about loving someone, we have to surrender all the desires within us to manipulate the relationship.” – Rob Bell

Rob Bell explores the relationship between love and control, asserting that true love requires the relinquishment of the urge to control another person.

This submission is not about weakness but about fostering a genuine, respectful, and loving relationship where both parties are free from manipulation.

“No woman wants to be in submission to a man who isn’t in submission to God!” – T.D. Jakes

T.D. Jakes addresses the spiritual and ethical dimensions of submission in relationships, particularly emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and spiritual accountability.

This quote suggests that a balanced relationship involves a hierarchy where both parties submit to higher, moral or spiritual laws, enhancing the quality of their union.

“The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it.” – Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson reflects on the dynamic of power and submission within the context of slavery, highlighting its destructive impacts not just on individuals but also on society.

This historical perspective sheds light on the profound and lasting consequences of such relationships, emphasizing the need for caution in power dynamics.

“Submission is the art of allowing.” – Unknown

This quote encapsulates the beauty of submission as an art form that involves permitting rather than opposing.

Embracing submission is seen here not as a loss of control but as a sophisticated skill of acceptance and openness to life’s possibilities and to other people’s ideas and leadership. This perspective invites us to consider submission as a proactive engagement with the world.

“To yield is to find inner strength.” – Unknown

Yielding, often mistaken for weakness, is reinterpreted here as a path to discovering one’s inner strength.

This notion suggests that true power lies in recognizing when to step back and let others lead the way or when to let go of resistance. It’s about finding strength not through dominance but through understanding and adapting to the flow of circumstances.

“In surrender, we find our true selves.” – Unknown

The act of surrendering is presented as a journey of self-discovery. This quote implies that by letting go of our guards and preconceptions, we open ourselves up to learning who we truly are, beyond the facades we often present to the world.

It’s a deep dive into the essence of our being, achieved through the vulnerability of surrender.

“Surrendering control is the ultimate act of bravery.” – Unknown

This quote challenges the conventional association of bravery with taking control. Instead, it elevates the act of letting go as the highest form of courage.

Surrendering control involves a profound trust in the process and often requires more strength than holding on tightly to the reins.

“In submission, we find true liberation.” – Unknown

The paradox of finding freedom in submission is a compelling theme. This quote suggests that true liberation comes not from constant control and domination but from the ability to submit and let go.

This form of freedom is about releasing the burdens of constant self-assertion and finding peace in acceptance.

“Submission is a dance with the unknown.” – Unknown

Describing submission as a dance with the unknown conjures an image of graceful interaction with life’s uncertainties.

This metaphor highlights the dynamic and fluid nature of submission, where one must continually adjust and respond to unforeseen circumstances and forces, embracing the mystery and adventure it brings.

“To submit is to embrace vulnerability.” – Unknown

This quote highlights the intrinsic connection between submission and vulnerability. To submit is to openly acknowledge our limits and expose ourselves to potential hurt or failure.

However, in this vulnerability lies tremendous growth and the potential to build deeper connections with others, making it a powerful choice in personal development and relationships.

“Submissive hearts are open to miracles.” – Unknown

This quote speaks to the spiritual and transformative potential of submission. By opening one’s heart through submission, one becomes receptive to extraordinary or unexpected events—miracles.

It suggests that a submissive spirit is not passive but actively engaged in embracing the wonder and surprises of life.

“To yield is to trust in the unfolding of destiny.” – Unknown

Yielding is seen here as an act of faith in the natural progression and destiny of one’s life.

It implies that there is a greater plan at work, and trusting this process can lead to profound personal alignment and fulfillment.

“Submissive souls are fierce warriors.” – Unknown

This quote reverses the usual perception of submission as meekness, presenting it instead as a form of bravery.

It implies that those who embrace submission fight their battles differently, using patience and endurance as their weapons, which can be just as powerful as aggression and force.

“To submit is to honor the divine within us.” – Unknown

Submission is framed as a spiritual practice in this quote, suggesting that by submitting, one acknowledges and respects the divine element within oneself and potentially in others.

It’s about recognizing a higher essence beyond our ego-driven desires.

“Submissive souls are guided by love.” – Unknown

This quote emphasizes the guiding principle behind submissive actions—love.

It suggests that submission is not about fear or weakness but about following a path laid out by love, whether it’s love for another person, a cause, or a belief system.

“Submissive hearts dance in the rhythm of life.” – Unknown

Portraying submission as a rhythmic dance with life, this quote suggests that those who are submissive are in tune with the natural flow of existence.

They move intuitively with the ups and downs of life, embracing each moment as it comes with grace and acceptance.

“True power lies in letting go.” – Unknown

This quote suggests that genuine strength is found in the ability to relinquish control, contrary to the conventional belief that power comes from holding on tightly.

Letting go opens one up to new experiences, ideas, and personal growth, portraying power as flexibility and adaptability rather than dominance and rigidity.

“Submission is not giving up, it is giving over.” – Unknown

Differentiating between giving up and giving over, this quote highlights submission as a deliberate choice to entrust control to someone or something else.

It’s a strategic and conscious decision that involves strength and trust, suggesting a proactive rather than a defeatist approach.

“In yielding, we discover flexibility.” – Unknown

Yielding is portrayed as a means to discover one’s adaptability.

This flexibility is crucial in navigating life’s challenges and changes, allowing individuals to adjust their strategies and perspectives as needed, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.

“In the heart of submission lies the seed of growth.” – Unknown

This quote suggests that submission is fertile ground for personal development.

It argues that the traits cultivated through submissive behaviors—like patience, resilience, and humility—are foundational for both personal evolution and spiritual enlightenment.

“Through submission, we touch the essence of peace.” – Unknown

Linking submission directly to achieving peace.

This quote portrays the act of letting go as a pathway to profound tranquility and harmony, suggesting that peace is more readily found in acceptance than in resistance.

“The act of submission is a gateway to wisdom.” – Unknown

This quote posits that submission is an avenue to deeper understanding and insight.

By opening oneself to others’ ideas and leadership, one can learn and grow in wisdom, which often comes from recognizing and embracing perspectives beyond one’s own.

“Submissive spirits embrace change with open arms.” – Unknown

Celebrating the openness and adaptability of submissive individuals, this quote portrays them as welcoming change with enthusiasm and readiness.

This receptiveness is seen as a virtue that facilitates personal and professional growth.

“Submission invites serenity into chaos.” – Unknown

Here, submission is seen as a tool to bring calmness to turbulent situations.

It implies that through acceptance and a non-resistant approach, one can find clarity and peace amidst disorder, transforming potentially overwhelming situations into manageable ones.

Also read: Ned Flanders Quotes (with Explanation)

Final Thoughts

Submissive quotes help you see that sometimes letting go and not controlling everything can actually make you stronger. They tell us that it’s not about quitting, but about finding calm and strength in being open to what comes your way.

These quotes remind you to stay flexible and open-minded, which can help you grow as a person and build stronger relationships.