--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: From the idea that the self is not given…" description: "\"From the idea that the self is not given to us, I think there is only one practical consequence: we have to create ourselves as a work of art.\" — Miche..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/747/michel-foucault-1134_art_from-the-idea-that-the-self-is-not-given_2344505.jpg" --- # From the idea that the self is not given to us, I think… ![“From the idea that the self is not given to us, I think there is only one practical consequence: we have to create ourselves as a work of art.” quote by Michel Foucault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/747/michel-foucault-1134_art_from-the-idea-that-the-self-is-not-given_2344505.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/747/michel-foucault-1134_art_from-the-idea-that-the-self-is-not-given_2344505.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/747/michel-foucault-1134_art_from-the-idea-that-the-self-is-not-given_2344505.jpg) > “From the idea that the self is not given to us, I think there is only one practical consequence: we have to create ourselves as a work of art.” [Michel Foucault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-foucault/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. If the self isn’t innate, we must actively shape ourselves like an artwork. **In simple terms:** We must craft our identity. Key Takeaway Treat life as a creative project. Themes identity creativity self‑construction Mood thoughtful motivational Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career development - personal branding - artistic practice Key Concepts existentialism self‑design Questions to Reflect On - What aspects of yourself are you sculpting? - How does art influence personal identity? A Different Perspective Self‑construction can be constrained by societal expectations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Consequence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consequence/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Works of art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/works-of-art/) ## Related quotes > [“People in great need were quick to find blame in themselves, quick to assume the burden of guilt for things they in truth had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-erikson/people-in-great-need-were-quick-to-find-blame-in-themselves-quick-to/) [Steven Erikson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-erikson/) > [Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. 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