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Doing things Quote by Joan Didion

“He meant doing things not because we were expected to do them or had always done them or should do them but because we wanted to do them” quote by Joan Didion
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““He meant doing things not because we were expected to do them or had always done them or should do them but because we wanted to do them””

Joan Didion

About This Quote

Source Essay: “On Motivation”, The New Yorker, 1979

People should act out of genuine desire, not merely from obligation, tradition, or expectation.

In simple terms: Act from personal desire, not external pressure.

Key Takeaway

Follow your own motivations.

Themes

authenticity intrinsic motivation personal freedom

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • creative projects
  • daily routines

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy self-determination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly drives your actions?
  • How can you differentiate desire from duty?
A Different Perspective

External expectations can still influence decisions despite intentions.

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