Skip to content

Adoptees Quote by Saroo Brierley

“Adoptees, whether or not they ever knew their birth parents, often describe the constant, gnawing feeling of there being something missing: without a connection, or at least the knowledge of where they are from, they feel incomplete.” quote by Saroo Brierley
Download Open image
““Adoptees, whether or not they ever knew their birth parents, often describe the constant, gnawing feeling of there being something missing: without a connection, or at least the knowledge of where they are from, they feel incomplete.””

Saroo Brierley

About This Quote

Source Interview: Documentary “The Adoption Project”, 2015

Adoptees often feel an inner void due to lack of knowledge about their origins, leading to a sense of incompleteness.

In simple terms: Missing origins cause a feeling of incompleteness.

Key Takeaway

Seek connection or knowledge about your roots.

Themes

identity belonging family self‑discovery

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

personal psychological

When to use this quote

  • adoption counseling
  • family reunions
  • personal journaling
  • genealogy research

Key Concepts

psychology attachment theory narrative identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does knowing your origins affect your sense of self?
  • What other ways can you create a feeling of completeness?
A Different Perspective

Understanding origins may not fully resolve emotional gaps; personal growth also matters.

3.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Saroo Brierley

Explore all 49 Saroo Brierley quotes

More Adoptees quotes

Browse all 15 Adoptees quotes