Skip to content

Adult education Quote by Margaret Laurence

“-- What a fool I was. "Want To Be a Little Off-Beat?" Here's ten ways, the article said. A lilac door was one. So off I tripped to the nearest hardware store to assert my unique individuality with the same tin of paint as two million other dimwits. Conned into idiocy. My mind is full of…” quote by Margaret Laurence
Download Open image
““-- What a fool I was. "Want To Be a Little Off-Beat?" Here's ten ways, the article said. A lilac door was one. So off I tripped to the nearest hardware store to assert my unique individuality with the same tin of paint as two million other dimwits. Conned into idiocy. My mind is full of trivialities. At lunch Ian said Duncan's piece of cake is miles bigger than mine -- it's not fair, and I roared that they should quit bothering me with trivialities. So when they're at school, do I settle down with the plays of Sophocles? I do not. I think about the color of my front door. That's being unfair to myself. I took that course, Ancient Greek Drama, last winter. Yeh, I took it all right. Young academic generously giving up his Thursday evenings in the cause of adult education. Mrs. MacAindra, I don't think you've got quite the right slant on Clytemnestra. Why not? The king sacrificed their youngest daughter for success in war-- what's the queen supposed to do, shout for joy? That's not quite the point we're discussing, is it? She murdered her husband, Mrs. MacAindra, (Oh God, don't you think I know that? The poor bitch.) Yeh well I guess you must know, Dr. Thorne. Sorry. Oh, that's fine -- I always try to encourage people to express themselves. -- Young twerp. Let somebody try killing one of his daughters. But still, he had his Ph.D. What do I have? Grade Eleven. My own fault…””

Margaret Laurence

About This Quote

Source Novel: Fictional Diary, 2015

The narrator critiques superficial attempts at uniqueness, revealing deeper insecurities and the paradox of seeking individuality through conformity.

In simple terms: Trying to be unique can expose deeper insecurities.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of forced uniqueness.

Themes

identity conformity insecurity

Mood

introspective critical

Type

philosophical satirical

When to use this quote

  • college life
  • creative writing
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Self‑presentation social comparison

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly defines your individuality?
  • How does conformity affect self‑expression?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on external symbols of uniqueness.

3.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Margaret Laurence

Explore all 41 Margaret Laurence quotes

More Adult education quotes

Browse all 23 Adult education quotes