--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The question of what we are can only be…" description: "\"The question of what we are can only be answered by ourselves. We each decide what we are by the life choices we make. How we were made, who are parent..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg" --- # The question of what we are can only be answered by… ![“The question of what we are can only be answered by ourselves. We each decide what we are by the life choices we make. How we were made, who are parents are, where we are from, the color of our skin, who we choose to love, all those things do not define us. Our actions define us, and will keep…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg) > “The question of what we are can only be answered by ourselves. We each decide what we are by the life choices we make. How we were made, who are parents are, where we are from, the color of our skin, who we choose to love, all those things do not define us. Our actions define us, and will keep defining us until even after death.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Identity is self‑determined by choices, not by background or attributes; actions define us beyond death. **In simple terms:** We define ourselves by choices, not origins. Key Takeaway Focus on purposeful actions. Themes identity choice self‑definition Mood reflective empowering Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career planning - relationship building - legacy projects Key Concepts personal agency lifelong development Questions to Reflect On - What choices define you? - How can you align actions with values? A Different Perspective External factors still influence perception. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [After death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/after-death/) [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Choices Make](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices-make/) [Color](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/color/) [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Decide Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decide-life-394413/) [Defining](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defining/) [Defining Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defining-death-1677233/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life Choice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-choice/) [Life choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-choices/) [Made](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/made/) [Our actions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our-actions/) [Parent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parent/) [Skins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skins/) ## Related quotes > [How am I supposed to make life choices when I still use my fingers to count and sing the whole alphabet to see what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/how-am-i-supposed-to-make-life-choices-when-i-still-use-my-fingers-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [3 Cs in life choices, chances & changes. You must make a choice to take a chance to create change. Otherwise life keeps going in circles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/3-cs-in-life-choices-chances-changes-you-must-make-a-choice-to-take-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Its so annoying when people talk down on others life choices, why does it matter to you?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/its-so-annoying-when-people-talk-down-on-others-life-choices-why-does/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Nothing says despair, broken dreams and poor life choices more than a Denny's at 3am.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/nothing-says-despair-broken-dreams-and-poor-life-choices-more-than-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is a board game, and you hold the dice in your hand, controlling the next move. You decide where you go with your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-a-board-game-and-you-hold-the-dice-in-your-hand-controlling/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-best-day-of-your-life-is-the-one-on-which-you-decide-your-life-is-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-best-day-of-your-life-is-the-one-on-which-you-decide-your-life-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If you decide in life to never settle for less its amazing how clear tough decisions become!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-decide-in-life-to-never-settle-for-less-its-amazing-how-clear/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The best day in your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. It is an amazing journey, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-best-day-in-your-life-is-the-one-on-which-you-decide-your-life-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [In order to align your life choices with your values, you will need to inquire about the effects of your actions (and inactions) on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoe-weil/in-order-to-align-your-life-choices-with-your-values-you-will-need-to/) [Zoe Weil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoe-weil/) > [If he wants to be an asshole, it's a free country. Millions before him have made the same life choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-atwood/if-he-wants-to-be-an-asshole-it-s-a-free-country-millions-before-him/) [Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-atwood/) > [“Is the Fey also in the bed?" his tone was flat. I reached over and shoved Grant off the bed. "No?" "Seriously, Kia?" he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eleanor-rousseau/is-the-fey-also-in-the-bed-his-tone-was-flat-i-reached-over-and/) [Eleanor Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eleanor-rousseau/) > [After years of research, I discovered 25 differences in the work-life choices of men and women. All 25 lead to men earning more money,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-farrell/after-years-of-research-i-discovered-25-differences-in-the-work-life/) [Warren Farrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-farrell/) > [If you find yourself in a relationship or even a friendship with someone who's conflicted with their gender identity, just be kind. This is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-d-thompson/if-you-find-yourself-in-a-relationship-or-even-a-friendship-with/) [Linda D. Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-d-thompson/) > [One of the great things about being a director as a life choice is that it can never be mastered. Every story is its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-howard/one-of-the-great-things-about-being-a-director-as-a-life-choice-is/) [Ron Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-howard/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Action quotes > [I always say there are two things to be successful. The first is decide exactly what you want - set your goals - and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/i-always-say-there-are-two-things-to-be-successful-the-first-is/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [You'd be surprised how hard it can often be to translate an action into an idea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-kraus/you-d-be-surprised-how-hard-it-can-often-be-to-translate-an-action/) [Karl Kraus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-kraus/) > [Gratitude isn't just a feeling, it's an action. Expressing gratitude by writing in a journal, taking a photo, or shooting a video creates a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janice-kaplan/gratitude-isn-t-just-a-feeling-it-s-an-action-expressing-gratitude-by/) [Janice Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janice-kaplan/) > [Nothing is so powerful as an insight into human nature... what compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action. If you know these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-bernbach/nothing-is-so-powerful-as-an-insight-into-human-nature-what/) [William Bernbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-bernbach/) > [Every thought I have imprisioned in expression I must free by my deeds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kahlil-gibran/every-thought-i-have-imprisioned-in-expression-i-must-free-by-my-deeds/) [Kahlil Gibran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kahlil-gibran/) > [It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elmore-leonard/it-took-me-20-years-to-buy-an-electric-typewriter-because-i-was/) [Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elmore-leonard/) > [Every action that helps us manifest our divine nature more and more is good; every action that retards it is evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/swami-vivekananda/every-action-that-helps-us-manifest-our-divine-nature-more-and-more/) [Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/swami-vivekananda/) > [As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behaviour. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/as-you-begin-changing-your-thinking-start-immediately-to-change-your/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It's easy to say, let's go in and get the bad guys. But you have a divided country of Sunnis and Shias. The United…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tulsi-gabbard/it-s-easy-to-say-let-s-go-in-and-get-the-bad-guys-but-you-have-a/) [Tulsi Gabbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tulsi-gabbard/) > [For comedy action, I must know the language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sammo-hung/for-comedy-action-i-must-know-the-language/) [Sammo Hung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sammo-hung/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Action is a powerful thing. When you smile through your sadness, it can completely change your outlook. Try it! Smile :) Now hold onto…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leticia-rae/action-is-a-powerful-thing-when-you-smile-through-your-sadness-it-can/) [Leticia Rae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leticia-rae/) > [I reject criticism because the last thing I wanted was to sit there and look at people talking. I think people are conditioned to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-tyrnauer/i-reject-criticism-because-the-last-thing-i-wanted-was-to-sit-there/) [Matt Tyrnauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-tyrnauer/) > [“I take my actions because of my passion not because of compulsion.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-kalantri/i-take-my-actions-because-of-my-passion-not-because-of-compulsion/) [Amit Kalantri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-kalantri/) > [When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked "What is a hero?" ...My answer was that a hero is someone who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-reeve/when-the-first-superman-movie-came-out-i-was-frequently-asked-what-is/) [Christopher Reeve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-reeve/) [Browse all 14,940 Action quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The question of what we are can only be answered by ourselves. We each decide what we are by the life choices we make. How we were made, who are parents are, where we are from, the color of our skin, who we choose to love, all those things do not define us. Our actions define us, and will keep defining us until even after death.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Anonymous" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be-answered-by-ourselves-we-each/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Action" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be-answered-by-ourselves-we-each/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/015/anonymous-1_action_the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be_150734.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The question of what we are can only be answered by ourselves. We each decide what we are by the life…” — Anonymous", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Anonymous", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The question of what we are...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be-answered-by-ourselves-we-each/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-question-of-what-we-are-can-only-be-answered-by-ourselves-we-each/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```