--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The trouble with the sacred Individual is…" description: "\"The trouble with the sacred Individual is that he has no significance, except as he can acquire it from others, from the social whole.\" — Bernard DeVoto" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e6e/bernard-devoto-23837_greatness_the-trouble-with-the-sacred-individual-i_3007189.png" --- # The trouble with the sacred Individual is that he has no… ![“The trouble with the sacred Individual is that he has no significance, except as he can acquire it from others, from the social whole.” quote by Bernard DeVoto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e6e/bernard-devoto-23837_greatness_the-trouble-with-the-sacred-individual-i_3007189.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e6e/bernard-devoto-23837_greatness_the-trouble-with-the-sacred-individual-i_3007189.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e6e/bernard-devoto-23837_greatness_the-trouble-with-the-sacred-individual-i_3007189.png) > “The trouble with the sacred Individual is that he has no significance, except as he can acquire it from others, from the social whole.” [Bernard DeVoto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-devoto/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The individual’s worth is only recognized when it is validated by society, not by intrinsic value. **In simple terms:** Worth depends on social approval. Key Takeaway Seek intrinsic value beyond external validation. Themes individualism society identity validation Mood reflective critical Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - career advancement - social media presence - team dynamics - community leadership Key Concepts existentialism social constructivism Questions to Reflect On - How do you define personal significance? - Can you find value without external approval? A Different Perspective If society rejects you, your significance may still be meaningful internally. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Individuality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individuality/) [Sacred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sacred/) [Significance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/significance/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) ## Related quotes > [Our particular problem in America at this point in history is the widespread loss of the sense of individual significance, a loss which is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rollo-may/our-particular-problem-in-america-at-this-point-in-history-is-the/) [Rollo May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rollo-may/) > [“The consequence of this, morally, is that the individual is of less significance than the state. 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