He who lets the world, or his own portion of it, choose…
“He who lets the world, or his own portion of it, choose his plan of life for him, has no need of any other faculty than the ape-like one of imitation. He who chooses his plan for himself, employs all his faculties. He must use observation to see, reasoning and judgment to foresee, activity to gather materials for decision, discrimination to decide, and when he has decided, firmness and self-control to hold to his deliberate decision.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Choosing one's own path engages all mental faculties, while copying others limits thought to imitation.
In simple terms: Self‑directed choices use full mind; copying uses only imitation.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate independent decision‑making.
Themes
autonomy
self‑development
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal growth
- leadership
- creative projects
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
education
Questions to Reflect On
- What decisions have you made independently?
- How does imitation limit personal growth?
A Different Perspective
Might ignore social influence and practical constraints.