--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This had happened to him before - in an…" description: "\"“This had happened to him before - in an effort to disappear, he had made himself more conspicuous.”\" — Dave Eggers" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/dave-eggers-638_conspicuous_this-had-happened-to-him-before-in-an-ef_1864677.png" --- # This had happened to him before - in an effort to… ![“This had happened to him before - in an effort to disappear, he had made himself more conspicuous.” quote by Dave Eggers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/dave-eggers-638_conspicuous_this-had-happened-to-him-before-in-an-ef_1864677.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/dave-eggers-638_conspicuous_this-had-happened-to-him-before-in-an-ef_1864677.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/dave-eggers-638_conspicuous_this-had-happened-to-him-before-in-an-ef_1864677.png) > ““This had happened to him before - in an effort to disappear, he had made himself more conspicuous.”” [Dave Eggers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-eggers/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He tried to hide by becoming more noticeable, a paradoxical attempt to disappear. **In simple terms:** He made himself stand out to avoid being seen. Key Takeaway Beware of paradoxes when trying to escape. Themes identity paradox visibility Mood ironic cautionary Type narrative philosophical When to use this quote - crowded places - online profiles - political activism - personal crises Key Concepts self‑presentation psychology Questions to Reflect On - When have you tried to hide by standing out? - What are healthier ways to become invisible? A Different Perspective Such tactics can backfire, drawing more attention. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Conspicuous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conspicuous/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) ## Related quotes > [I want to show the event at the very moment it takes place… My body must be anchored to the ground and seek the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luc-delahaye/i-want-to-show-the-event-at-the-very-moment-it-takes-place-my-body/) [Luc Delahaye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luc-delahaye/) > [Every young woman should dress well, that is, neatly, tastefully, modestly, whether she be rich or poor. Conspicuous dressing is vulgar. True refinement avoids…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-miller/every-young-woman-should-dress-well-that-is-neatly-tastefully/) [J.R. Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-miller/) > [I believe the election and reelection of Obama were among the most conspicuous acts of denial in recent years. 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