I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice…
““I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit. Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I was spoilt by my parents, who, though good themselves (my father, particularly, all that was benevolent and amiable), allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own family circle; to think meanly of all the rest of the world; to wish at least to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator confesses lifelong selfishness shaped by upbringing, then credits a loved one for humility and self‑improvement.
In simple terms: Selfish habits can be corrected through love and humility.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility through relationships.
Themes
humility
self‑improvement
love
family dynamics
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
literary
personal
When to use this quote
- marriage
- family counseling
- personal mentorship
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
personal growth
emotional intelligence
relationship influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What relationships have humbled you?
- How can you practice humility daily?
A Different Perspective
Self‑awareness can be delayed without external challenge.