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We discover that we do not know our role; we look for a…

“We discover that we do not know our role; we look for a mirror; we want to remove our make-up and take off what is false and real. But somewhere a piece of disguise that we forgot still sticks to us. A trace of exaggeration remains in our eyebrows; we do not notice that the corners of our mouth…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
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“We discover that we do not know our role; we look for a mirror; we want to remove our make-up and take off what is false and real. But somewhere a piece of disguise that we forgot still sticks to us. A trace of exaggeration remains in our eyebrows; we do not notice that the corners of our mouth are bent. And so we walk around, a mockery and a mere half: neither having achieved being nor actors.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

About This Quote

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

We seek authenticity, yet lingering falsehoods remain unnoticed, creating a half‑real existence.

In simple terms: We hide true selves behind masks.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and remove hidden pretenses.

Themes

identity self‑deception authenticity

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • therapy
  • creative writing
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

Existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What masks do you wear?
  • How can you uncover hidden exaggerations?
A Different Perspective

Self‑awareness can be painful.

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