Attitude Quote by Julian Barnes
““Does character develop over time? In novels, of course it does:otherwise there wouldn't be much of a story. But in life? I sometimes wonder. Our attitudes and opinions change we develop new habits and eccentricities; but that's something different, more like decoration. Perhaps character resembles intelligence, except that the character peaks a little later ;between twenty and thirty, say. And after that we're just stuck with what we've got. We're on our own. If so, that would explain a lot of lives, wouldn't it? And also if this isn't too grand a word--our tragedy.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes, 2011
Character is seen as a late‑blooming trait, shaped by experience and habits, but ultimately fixed after a certain age, suggesting a tension between growth and inevitability.
In simple terms: Character forms early, peaks later, then stays static.
Key Takeaway
Accept that core traits may solidify with age.
Themes
growth
identity
aging
psychology
determinism
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- career development
- personal relationships
- education
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
development
habit formation
self‑concept
lifelong learning
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you believe people can reinvent themselves after thirty?
- What habits define your core character?
A Different Perspective
It may underestimate the capacity for change later in life.
![“Our attitudes and opinions change, we develop new habits and eccentricities; but that's something different, more like decoration. Perhaps character resembles intelligence, except that character peaks a little later [...]. And after that, we're just stuck with what we've got. We're on our own. If…” quote by Julian Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/252/julian-barnes-522_change_our-attitudes-and-opinions-change-we-dev_2637292.jpg)
