These selves of which we are built up, one on top of…
““These selves of which we are built up, one on top of another, as plates are piled on a waiter's hand, have attachments elsewhere, sympathies, little constitutions and rights of their own, call them what you will (and for many of these things there is no name) so that one will only come if it is raining, another in a room with green curtains, another when Mrs Jones is not there, another if you can promis it a glass of wine —and so on; for verybody can multiply from his own experience the different terms which his different selves have made with him—and some are too wildly ridiculous to be mentioned in print at all.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Describes the fragmented, multiple selves we possess, each activated by different contexts and experiences.
In simple terms: People have many selves that appear in different situations.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and integrate your varied inner selves.
Themes
identity
psychology
fragmentation
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- therapy
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Self-concept
contextual behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- Which self dominates in your life?
- How do contexts shape your behavior?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify the fluidity of identity.