Born Quote by Margaret Atwood
“I wait. I compose myself. My self is a thing I must now compose, as one composes a speech. What I must present is a made thing, not something born.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, 1985
Self‑creation is a deliberate act, like composing a speech, rather than a passive birth.
In simple terms: We must actively shape ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Actively design your identity.
Themes
identity
self‑construction
creativity
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- writing
- performance art
Key Concepts
philosophical
existential
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance authenticity with self‑design?
- What parts of yourself are you still composing?
A Different Perspective
Self‑construction can feel artificial or forced.
