Identity Quote by Michael Oakeshott
““Property was thus appall’d / That the self was not the same / Single nature’s double name / Neither two nor one was call’d.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Property and Identity, 1955
Property disrupts self‑identity, creating a split between being and owning.
In simple terms: Owning can fragment personal identity.
Beware of letting possessions define you.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- home buying
- inheritance
- personal branding
- legal disputes
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do possessions enhance or diminish your sense of self?
- Can ownership coexist with authentic identity?
Material focus may provide security despite philosophical concerns.