--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be touched is, of course, to undergo…" description: "\"“To be touched is, of course, to undergo something that comes from the outside, so I am, quite fundamentally, occasioned by that which is outside of me..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/judith-butler-1374_identity_to-be-touched-is-of-course-to-undergo-so_534884.jpg" --- # To be touched is, of course, to undergo something that… ![“To be touched is, of course, to undergo something that comes from the outside, so I am, quite fundamentally, occasioned by that which is outside of me, which I undergo, and this undergoing designates a certain passivity, but not one that is understood as the opposite of 'activity.' To undergo this…” quote by Judith Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/judith-butler-1374_identity_to-be-touched-is-of-course-to-undergo-so_534884.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/judith-butler-1374_identity_to-be-touched-is-of-course-to-undergo-so_534884.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/judith-butler-1374_identity_to-be-touched-is-of-course-to-undergo-so_534884.jpg) > ““To be touched is, of course, to undergo something that comes from the outside, so I am, quite fundamentally, occasioned by that which is outside of me, which I undergo, and this undergoing designates a certain passivity, but not one that is understood as the opposite of 'activity.' To undergo this touch means that there must be a certain openness to the outside that postpones the plausibility of any claim to self-identity. The 'I' is occasioned by alterity, and that occasion persists as its necessary animating structure. Indeed, if there is to be self-representation, if I am to speak the 'I' in language, then this autobiographical reference has been enabled from elsewhere, has undergone what is not itself. Through this undergoing, an 'I' has emerged.”” [Judith Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-butler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The self is formed through openness to external influences, making identity a product of relational encounter rather than isolated agency. **In simple terms:** Identity arises from being open to the outside. Key Takeaway Recognize external influences shape your sense of self. Themes identity relationality philosophy selfhood Mood reflective introspective Type philosophical theoretical When to use this quote - personal growth - creative writing - psychology - social interaction - cultural analysis Key Concepts alterity subjectivity interdependence Questions to Reflect On - How does openness to alterity affect your sense of agency? - Can you identify moments when outside influences reshaped your identity? A Different Perspective If one overemphasizes external influence, personal agency may be undervalued. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-identity/) ## Related quotes > [I see my self-identity in the same way I see most things: a list, in greatest to least importance. 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The 'I' is occasioned by alterity, and that occasion persists as its necessary animating structure. Indeed, if there is to be self-representation, if I am to speak the 'I' in language, then this autobiographical reference has been enabled from elsewhere, has undergone what is not itself. 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