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They were not unfortunate girls who, as outcasts or in the…

“They were not unfortunate girls who, as outcasts or in the belief that they were cast out by society, grieved wholesomely and intensely and, once in a while at times when the heart was too full, ventilated it in hate or forgiveness. No visible change took place in them; they lived in the…” quote by Soren Kierkegaard
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““They were not unfortunate girls who, as outcasts or in the belief that they were cast out by society, grieved wholesomely and intensely and, once in a while at times when the heart was too full, ventilated it in hate or forgiveness. No visible change took place in them; they lived in the accustomed context, were respected as always, and yet they were changed, almost unaccountably to themselves and incomprehensibly to others. Their lives were not cracked or broken, as others' were, but were bent into themselves; lost to others, they futilely sought to find themselves.””

Soren Kierkegaard

About This Quote

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

Outcasts experience deep inner conflict, feeling both hatred and forgiveness, leading to subtle, self‑altering transformations unnoticed by others.

In simple terms: Inner turmoil reshapes identity quietly.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and process hidden emotions.

Themes

psychology identity transformation existentialism

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • therapy
  • creative writing
  • personal growth
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

self‑reflection emotional duality authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden feelings drive your self‑change?
  • How can you express inner conflict constructively?
A Different Perspective

Emotional suppression may hinder healthy change.

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