--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have allowed ourselves to be defined…" description: "\"We have allowed ourselves to be defined by our consumption instead of by our ability to move beyond it.\" — Jane Velez-Mitchell" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/jane-velez-mitchell-7722_ability_we-have-allowed-ourselves-to-be-defined_2545024.jpg" --- # We have allowed ourselves to be defined by our consumption… ![“We have allowed ourselves to be defined by our consumption instead of by our ability to move beyond it.” quote by Jane Velez-Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/jane-velez-mitchell-7722_ability_we-have-allowed-ourselves-to-be-defined_2545024.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/jane-velez-mitchell-7722_ability_we-have-allowed-ourselves-to-be-defined_2545024.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/jane-velez-mitchell-7722_ability_we-have-allowed-ourselves-to-be-defined_2545024.jpg) > “We have allowed ourselves to be defined by our consumption instead of by our ability to move beyond it.” [Jane Velez-Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-velez-mitchell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Consumer identity can dominate self‑concept, limiting personal growth beyond materialism. **In simple terms:** We often define ourselves by what we own. Key Takeaway Shift focus from possessions to personal development. Themes consumerism identity growth Mood thoughtful motivational Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career planning - budgeting - mindfulness - education Key Concepts minimalism self‑actualization Questions to Reflect On - How does consumption shape your self‑image? - What steps can you take to move beyond material definitions? A Different Perspective Reducing consumption may not address deeper existential needs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Allowed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/allowed/) [Beyond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beyond/) [Consumption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consumption/) [Consumption Instead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consumption-instead-1467338/) [Defined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defined/) [Defined Consumption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defined-consumption-1467339/) [Instead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instead/) [Move](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/move/) [Our](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our/) [Ourselves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ourselves/) ## Related quotes > [At the outset of the creation of the euro in 1999, it was expected that the southern eurozone economies would behave like those in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-greenspan/at-the-outset-of-the-creation-of-the-euro-in-1999-it-was-expected/) [Alan Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-greenspan/) > [There are few colonial nations anymore. 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