Army Quote by Michael Ondaatje
“When we are young we do not look into mirrors. It is when we are old, concerned with our name, our legend, what our lives will mean to the future. We become vain with the names we own, our claims to have been the first eyes, the strongest army, the cleverest merchant. It is when he is old that Narcissus wants a graven image of himself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The English Patient, Michael Ondaatje, 1992
Aging shifts focus from self‑discovery to legacy, making people obsessed with how they will be remembered.
In simple terms: Old age brings concern for reputation and lasting impact.
Key Takeaway
Consider your lasting impact now.
Themes
legacy
vanity
identity
aging
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- family storytelling
- personal branding
- historical memoirs
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑reflection
reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- What legacy do you want to leave?
- How does vanity affect authentic living?
A Different Perspective
May overlook present relationships for future image.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
