--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Can we ignore what is going on around us…" description: "\"Can we ignore what is going on around us, can we disconnect ourselves, our own material situation, our spiritual selves, who we are, can we disconnect ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2dc/martin-donovan-30825_around_can-we-ignore-what-is-going-on-around-us_340506.jpg" --- # Can we ignore what is going on around us, can we… ![“Can we ignore what is going on around us, can we disconnect ourselves, our own material situation, our spiritual selves, who we are, can we disconnect that from history and the social context of our lives? The older I get, the more I'm convinced that we cannot, that we are social creatures.” quote by Martin Donovan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2dc/martin-donovan-30825_around_can-we-ignore-what-is-going-on-around-us_340506.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2dc/martin-donovan-30825_around_can-we-ignore-what-is-going-on-around-us_340506.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2dc/martin-donovan-30825_around_can-we-ignore-what-is-going-on-around-us_340506.jpg) > “Can we ignore what is going on around us, can we disconnect ourselves, our own material situation, our spiritual selves, who we are, can we disconnect that from history and the social context of our lives? The older I get, the more I'm convinced that we cannot, that we are social creatures.” [Martin Donovan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-donovan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human beings are inherently social; we cannot fully detach from history, culture, or community without losing essential parts of ourselves. **In simple terms:** We cannot separate from society and history. Key Takeaway Acknowledge your social context. Themes community identity interdependence Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical reflective When to use this quote - personal growth - civic engagement - relationship building - cultural literacy Key Concepts social nature historical awareness Questions to Reflect On - How does social context shape your identity? - Can solitude coexist with social awareness? A Different Perspective Isolation can be necessary for reflection. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Context](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/context/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [Spiritual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual/) ## Related quotes > [“Every situation is a spiritual journey.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/every-situation-is-a-spiritual-journey/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [I do want to write about social/cultural/historical context. I'm interested in relationships, in character, but within a specific social context. Which is kind of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dana-spiotta/i-do-want-to-write-about-social-cultural-historical-context-i-m/) [Dana Spiotta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dana-spiotta/) > [“The Power of Context is an environmental argument. 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I wanted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-donovan/a-lot-of-banging-in-the-head-has-built-up-over-the-decades-and-for-my/) [Martin Donovan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-donovan/) > [If you blink, you will miss me, but I am in 'Malcolm X.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-donovan/if-you-blink-you-will-miss-me-but-i-am-in-malcolm-x/) [Martin Donovan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-donovan/) > [People have different relationships with power. I suppose a large portion of the 'Homeland' audience aligns with the U.S., sort of against the enemies.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-donovan/people-have-different-relationships-with-power-i-suppose-a-large/) [Martin Donovan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-donovan/) > [I'm a sucker for entertainment and escapism as much as the next person. 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