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There are selves too big for one person to contain. You…

“There are selves too big for one person to contain. You cannot call them selfish. There is nothing -ish about such selves. They are the self, as it were, itself.” quote by P. J. O'Rourke
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“There are selves too big for one person to contain. You cannot call them selfish. There is nothing -ish about such selves. They are the self, as it were, itself.”

P. J. O'Rourke

About This Quote

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

The quote suggests that some aspects of identity are larger than any single individual and should not be labeled selfish, because they represent the broader self.

In simple terms: Some parts of identity exceed one person and aren't selfish.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the collective nature of self.

Themes

identity self collective philosophy

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • team dynamics
  • leadership
  • community building

Key Concepts

ego selfhood interdependence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate personal ambition from collective purpose?
  • When does self‑expansion become harmful?
A Different Perspective

Labeling these larger selves as selfish can oversimplify complex identities.

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