Skip to content

Our impulses are our birthright. To alter personality…

“Our impulses are our birthright. To alter personality would be unjust, almost criminal, for the impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances may be necessary for our happiness.” quote by Gertrude Atherton
Download Open image
“Our impulses are our birthright. To alter personality would be unjust, almost criminal, for the impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances may be necessary for our happiness.”

Gertrude Atherton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Our innate impulses are fundamental to us; suppressing them is unjust, yet some impulses may need to be guided for happiness.

In simple terms: Impulses are natural, but may need direction.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and wisely channel impulses.

Themes

identity freedom responsibility

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • relationship decisions
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

Existentialism ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which impulses serve you?
  • How can you balance impulse and restraint?
A Different Perspective

Impulses can lead to harmful behavior if unchecked.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Gertrude Atherton

Explore all 74 Gertrude Atherton quotes

More Birthright quotes

Browse all 263 Birthright quotes