Ashamed Quote by Saul Bellow
“Great pressure is brought to bear to make us undervalue ourselves. On the other hand, civilization teaches that each of us is an inestimable prize. There are, then, these two preparations: one for life and the other for death. Therefore we value and are ashamed to value ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Humboldt's Gift by Saul Bellow, 1975
Society pressures us to undervalue ourselves, yet also teaches we are priceless, creating a conflict in self‑worth.
In simple terms: We are torn between self‑devaluation and self‑value.
Key Takeaway
Balance self‑respect with humility.
Themes
self‑worth
societal pressure
identity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- personal relationships
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What influences your self‑value?
- How can you honor your worth?
A Different Perspective
Self‑valuation can be distorted by external expectations.
