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Great people Quote by Richard Rohr

“Great people do not need to concoct an identity for themselves; they merely try to discover, uncover, and enjoy the identity they already have. As Francis said to us right before he died in 1226, “I have done what was mine to do. Now you must do what is yours to do.” Yet to just be yourself, who…” quote by Richard Rohr
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““Great people do not need to concoct an identity for themselves; they merely try to discover, uncover, and enjoy the identity they already have. As Francis said to us right before he died in 1226, “I have done what was mine to do. Now you must do what is yours to do.” Yet to just be yourself, who you really are, warts and all, feels like too little, a disappointment, a step backward into ordinariness. Most Christians write it off as a cheap humanistic cliché. It sounds much more exciting to pretend I am St. Francis than accepting that I am Richard and that that is all God expects me to be—and everything that God expects me to be. My destiny and his desire are already written in my genes, my upbringing, and my natural gifts. It is probably the most courageous thing you will ever do to accept that you are just yourself. It will take perfect faith, the blind yes of Mary, because it is the ongoing and same incarnation. Just like the word of God descending into one little whimpering child, in one small stable, in one moment, in one unimportant country, noticed by nobody. We call it the scandal of particularity. This, here, now, me always feels too small and specific to be a dwelling place for God! How could I be taken this seriously?””

Richard Rohr

About This Quote

Source Book: Everything Belongs to You by Richard Rohr, 2008

Authenticity means embracing your true self, with flaws, rather than adopting a false persona.

In simple terms: Be yourself fully, despite imperfections.

Key Takeaway

Accept your identity without pretense.

Themes

authenticity self‑acceptance spiritual courage

Mood

reflective contemplative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • spiritual practice
  • counseling
  • faith formation

Key Concepts

existentialism identity theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of yourself do you hide?
  • How can embracing flaws deepen your spirituality?
A Different Perspective

May ignore true self limit growth and cause inner conflict.

3.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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