--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We had been assured by our elders that…" description: "\"“We had been assured by our elders that intelligence was a family trait. All my kin and forebears were people of substantial or remarkable intellect, t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/marilynne-robinson-602_community_we-had-been-assured-by-our-elders-that-i_2100488.jpg" --- # We had been assured by our elders that intelligence was a… ![“We had been assured by our elders that intelligence was a family trait. All my kin and forebears were people of substantial or remarkable intellect, thought somehow none of them had prospered in the world. Too bookish, my grandmother said with tart pride, and Lucille and I read constantly to…” quote by Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/marilynne-robinson-602_community_we-had-been-assured-by-our-elders-that-i_2100488.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/marilynne-robinson-602_community_we-had-been-assured-by-our-elders-that-i_2100488.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1dc/marilynne-robinson-602_community_we-had-been-assured-by-our-elders-that-i_2100488.jpg) > ““We had been assured by our elders that intelligence was a family trait. All my kin and forebears were people of substantial or remarkable intellect, thought somehow none of them had prospered in the world. Too bookish, my grandmother said with tart pride, and Lucille and I read constantly to forestall criticism, anticipating failure. If my family were not as intelligent as we were pleased to pretend, this was an innocent deception, for it was a matter of indifference to everybody whether we were intelligent or not. People always interpreted our slightly formal manner and our quiet tastes as a sign that we wished to stay a little apart. This was a matter of indifference, also, and we had our wish.”” [Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilynne-robinson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The narrator reflects on a family’s self‑image of intelligence, using it as a protective façade while feeling indifferent to external validation. **In simple terms:** Family pretends to be smart to avoid criticism, but they don’t care if it’s true. Key Takeaway Recognize when self‑image serves as a shield rather than truth. Themes identity family self‑perception indifference social expectations Mood reflective introspective Type literary personal When to use this quote - academic pressure - family gatherings - career decisions - personal relationships Key Concepts psychology social dynamics self‑concept Questions to Reflect On - How does your family’s self‑image affect your choices? - Do you value authenticity over perception? 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