--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We were neither what we had been nor what…" description: "\"“We were neither what we had been nor what we would become once we reached our destination.”\" — Jeff VanderMeer" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a51/jeff-vandermeer-1366_become_we-were-neither-what-we-had-been-nor-wha_1576601.png" --- # We were neither what we had been nor what we would become… ![“We were neither what we had been nor what we would become once we reached our destination.” quote by Jeff VanderMeer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a51/jeff-vandermeer-1366_become_we-were-neither-what-we-had-been-nor-wha_1576601.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a51/jeff-vandermeer-1366_become_we-were-neither-what-we-had-been-nor-wha_1576601.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a51/jeff-vandermeer-1366_become_we-were-neither-what-we-had-been-nor-wha_1576601.png) > ““We were neither what we had been nor what we would become once we reached our destination.”” [Jeff VanderMeer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-vandermeer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Identity shifts when we move beyond familiar places, changing who we were and will be. **In simple terms:** Travel transforms self. Key Takeaway Accept change as part of growth. Themes identity change journey Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - relocation - career transition - personal growth Key Concepts existential fluidity self‑redefinition Questions to Reflect On - What parts of yourself change with new environments? - How do you retain core values? A Different Perspective Future self may be uncertain, causing anxiety. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Become](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/become/) [Destination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/destination/) [Reached](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reached/) [Reached Destination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reached-destination-1322467/) ## Related quotes > [“I was myself drawn along a path that was just as hypothetical, but it had become a matter of indifference to me whether or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-houellebecq/i-was-myself-drawn-along-a-path-that-was-just-as-hypothetical-but-it/) [Michel Houellebecq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-houellebecq/) > [“As I make a final right-hand turn onto our street, my GPS informs me that I've "reached my destination". 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