Every civilized man or woman has, I suppose, some picture…
““Every civilized man or woman has, I suppose, some picture of himself or herself, and is annoyed when anything happens that seems to spoil this picture. The best cure is to have not only one picture, but a whole gallery, and to select the one appropriate to the incident in question. If some of the portraits are a trifle laughable, so much the better; it is not wise to see oneself all day long as a hero of high tragedy.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People hold a single self‑image; expanding to many perspectives reduces distress when reality conflicts.
In simple terms: Multiple self‑views lessen disappointment.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate diverse self‑pictures to adapt to challenges.
Themes
self‑image
psychology
adaptability
Mood
thoughtful
lighthearted
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- creative writing
- role‑playing exercises
Key Concepts
identity
cognitive flexibility
self‑compassion
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative self‑views can you adopt?
- How does humor help reframe setbacks?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex identity issues.