Life Quote by Adrienne Rich
““ I used myself, let nothing use me. Like being on a private dole, sometimes more like cutting bricks in Egypt. What life there was, was mine, now and again to lay one hand on a warm brick and touch the sun's ghost with economical joy.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Will to Change”, 1975
She describes using personal agency to transform hardship into purposeful, joyful action, likening it to shaping bricks.
In simple terms: Control your destiny despite challenges.
Key Takeaway
Take charge and find joy in effort.
Themes
agency
resilience
creative labor
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- overcoming adversity
- artistic creation
- daily struggle
- mindful work
Key Concepts
self‑empowerment
metaphor of building
Questions to Reflect On
- What bricks are you shaping today?
- How does effort become joy?
A Different Perspective
Joy may be fleeting and effort can be exhausting.
