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Fingerprints Quote by Paul Theroux

“I want to know the age. The sex. Most of all, the fingerprints. I'd like to identify who it is. After he had agreed, and I had left the office, walking to calm myself, I thought: And who am I? Please tell me who I am and what I'm doing.” quote by Paul Theroux
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““I want to know the age. The sex. Most of all, the fingerprints. I'd like to identify who it is. After he had agreed, and I had left the office, walking to calm myself, I thought: And who am I? Please tell me who I am and what I'm doing.””

Paul Theroux

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux, 1981

The narrator seeks to understand identity by gathering personal details, then questions his own self‑knowledge and purpose.

In simple terms: He wants to know others but wonders who he is.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on how seeking others' data reveals your own identity.

Themes

identity self‑discovery curiosity

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • investigations
  • personal interviews
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology privacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does knowing others tell you about yourself?
  • How do you define identity beyond external data?
A Different Perspective

Knowing facts about others may not clarify your own purpose.

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