---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First, there is the person one thinks he…"
description: "\"First, there is the person one thinks he is and the appearance one thinks he has. Then there is the thing one actually is, and there is that which the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/025/elizabeth-madox-roberts-88272_appearance_first-there-is-the-person-one-thinks-he_358494.jpg"
---

#  First, there is the person one thinks he is and the…

![“First, there is the person one thinks he is and the appearance one thinks he has. Then there is the thing one actually is, and there is that which the others think, and here a myriad-faced being arose in her thought, but the second came back as being more difficult to know, for what eyes would see…” quote by Elizabeth Madox Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/025/elizabeth-madox-roberts-88272_appearance_first-there-is-the-person-one-thinks-he_358494.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/025/elizabeth-madox-roberts-88272_appearance_first-there-is-the-person-one-thinks-he_358494.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/025/elizabeth-madox-roberts-88272_appearance_first-there-is-the-person-one-thinks-he_358494.jpg)

> “First, there is the person one thinks he is and the appearance one thinks he has. Then there is the thing one actually is, and there is that which the others think, and here a myriad-faced being arose in her thought, but the second came back as being more difficult to know, for what eyes would see it and where would it stay?”

[Elizabeth Madox Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-madox-roberts/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage explores the conflict between self‑perception, external appearance, and the perceptions of others, highlighting the complexity of identity.

**In simple terms:** Identity is shaped by how we see ourselves, how we appear, and how others view us.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that identity is multifaceted and often misunderstood.

Themes

identity perception self‑knowledge social interaction philosophy

Mood

introspective thoughtful philosophical

Type

reflective exploratory

When to use this quote

- personal reflection
- psychological counseling
- social dynamics
- literary analysis

Key Concepts

subjectivity self‑concept other‑perception

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you reconcile your self‑image with others’ views?
- What aspects of identity are most fluid for you?

A Different Perspective

The abstract language may obscure practical application.

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