Definitions Quote by Octavia Butler
“Humans persecute their different ones, yet they need them to give themselves definition and status.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Kindred, Octavia Butler, 1979
Humans define themselves by contrasting with those they deem different, yet rely on them for identity.
In simple terms: We need others to define ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions about “others.”
Themes
identity
difference
dependence
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- cultural studies
- team building
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Social construct
otherness
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines your identity?
- How can we value differences without exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Can reinforce stereotypes.
![“If we look at history, we will see that regimes which persecute [their people] do not remain standing.” quote by Recep Tayyip Erdogan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/886/recep-tayyip-erdogan-2682_history_if-we-look-at-history-we-will-see-that-r_785619.jpg)
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
