Children Quote by Anita Brookner
““But it was a significant exercise, for it meant that I considered myself worthy, as I had never done before. That change in my consciousness was so bewildering that I looked back on my previous life with a sort of amazed pity. That narrowness, those scruples, that prolonged childhood... I even, and this is a great test, began to consider journeys I might make, for my own pleasure, without him. I had never been to Greece and I thought I might go now, some time soon. And I knew that if I went I should enjoy it, as I had never enjoyed a journey before. Because I should have James to come back to. By the very fact of his existence, he had given the validity to my entire future.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of the Dead, Anita Brookner, 1976
The narrator discovers self‑worth through love, prompting a desire for independent experiences and future possibilities.
In simple terms: Love makes her feel worthy, inspiring new journeys.
Key Takeaway
Seek independence and self‑discovery.
Themes
self‑worth
love
independence
growth
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
literary
personal development
When to use this quote
- travel planning
- personal growth
- relationship transition
Key Concepts
identity
psychology
agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does love reshape personal identity?
- What steps can you take toward independent growth?
A Different Perspective
Self‑worth may still depend on external validation.
