Wolves and women are relational by nature, inquiring, possessed of great endurance and strength. They are deeply intuitive, intensely concerned with their young, their mate and their pack. Yet both have been hounded, harassed and falsely imputed to be devouring and devious, overly aggressive, of less value than those who are their detractors.

The quote by Clarissa Pinkola Estés draws a powerful comparison between wolves and women, emphasizing their shared qualities of relational nature, strength, and endurance. Estés suggests that both wolves and women possess an inherent intensity and intuition, qualities that make them deeply connected to their families and communities. The quote highlights the nurturing aspect of both, with wolves being deeply concerned with their young, mates, and the pack, and women sharing a similar focus on their families and relationships.

Estés also addresses the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of both wolves and women in society. She points out that both have been hounded and harassed, meaning they have been subject to unjust treatment, often being portrayed as dangerous, aggressive, or devious when they are, in reality, protective and intuitive. This suggests that society often labels them in ways that serve to undermine their true value and the powerful roles they play in the larger context of life and community.

The quote also emphasizes how both wolves and women are often falsely imputed to be of lesser value, challenging the stereotypes that have been imposed on them. Estés calls attention to the disrespect and misjudgment both groups face, despite their crucial roles in the balance of life. She is advocating for the recognition of the worth and dignity of both wolves and women, urging society to understand their true power and the essential contributions they make.

Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a Jungian psychologist and author, is best known for her work on the power of feminine energy and the exploration of women's psychological and spiritual lives. This quote is from her work Women Who Run With the Wolves, where she examines the archetype of the wild woman and explores how society has historically tried to suppress the wild and intuitive aspects of women. The quote serves as both a celebration and a call to recognize and honor the strength, wisdom, and intuition of women, much like the wolves in the wild.