Another way Quote by Diane Arbus
“Everybody has that thing where they need to look one way but they come out looking another way and that's what people observe. You see someone on the street and essentially what you notice about them is the flaw. It's just extraordinary that we should have been given these peculiarities. Something is ironic in the world and it has to do with the fact that what you intend never comes out like you intend it.”
About This Quote
Source Photograph: Diane Arbus, 1960s portraits
People often present a self‑image that differs from how others perceive them, revealing unexpected flaws and contradictions.
In simple terms: We see others differently than they intend.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and accept the gap between self‑image and perception.
Themes
identity
perception
flaws
irony
human nature
Mood
reflective
ironic
thoughtful
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- personal branding
- interview settings
- art criticism
Key Concepts
self‑presentation
social perception
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your assumptions shape what you notice?
- Can you separate your view from the subject’s intent?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation can be biased by the observer’s own expectations.
![“[Our self-image is] that gap between intention and effect” quote by Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/416/diane-arbus-8503_effects_our-self-image-is-that-gap-between-inten_249587.jpg)
