Disguises Quote by Salman Rushdie
““A man who sets out to make himself up is taking on the Creator's role, according to one way of seeing things; he's unnatural, a blasphemer, an abomination of abominations. From another angle, you could see pathos in him, heroism in his struggle, in his willingness to risk: not all mutants survive. Or, consider him socio-politically: most migrants learn, and can become disguises. Our own false descriptions to counter the falsehoods invented about us, concealing for reasons of security our secret selves.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Midnight's Children, 1981
The quote critiques self‑creation as hubris, yet also sees bravery and social commentary in those who redefine identity, especially migrants navigating hidden selves.
In simple terms: Self‑making can be both blasphemous and heroic, revealing hidden identities.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexity of identity formation.
Themes
identity
hubris
heroism
migration
politics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- personal reinvention
- political activism
- cultural assimilation
- security concerns
Key Concepts
self‑creation
authenticity
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance personal agency with societal constraints?
- What responsibilities arise when redefining identity?
A Different Perspective
Risk of oversimplifying oppression or ignoring systemic barriers.
