Man Quote by Edward Cline
““Excuse me, sir?" "Do you wish to become a shepherd of souls? A minister of our church?" "No," replied Hugh, frowning. "Why would I wish to?" "Your concern with souls, milord, invites me to believe that you ultimately may choose that path of occupation." Hugh made a face of disgust. "No. I wish to become a man. One must become a man, first, before he can choose to be anything else.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “Family” by Joyce Carol Oates, 1995
A man rejects a spiritual vocation, insisting that becoming a true man is a prerequisite for any other role, highlighting personal authenticity over prescribed duties.
In simple terms: He wants to be a man before choosing any other path.
Key Takeaway
Define your identity before pursuing roles.
Themes
identity
authenticity
choice
masculinity
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
assertive
contemplative
Type
dialogue
philosophical
character-driven
When to use this quote
- career decision
- spiritual questioning
- coming‑of‑age
- mentor dialogue
Key Concepts
self-realization
role conflict
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to “be a man” today?
- Can one pursue purpose without a fixed identity?
A Different Perspective
The insistence on “becoming a man” may reinforce gender stereotypes.
![“[W]e must learn to accommodate ourselves to the discovery that some of those cunningly-fashioned instruments called human souls have only a very limited range of music, and will not vibrate in the least under a touch that fills others with tremulous rapture or quivering agony.” quote by George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9be/george-eliot-84_agony_w-e-must-learn-to-accommodate-ourselves_12409.jpg)
