Skip to content

Art Quote by Sheena Iyengar

“The great artist Michelangelo claimed that his sculptures were already present in the stone, and all he had to do was carve away everything else. Our understanding of identity is often similar: Beneath the many layers of shoulds and shouldn’ts that cover us, there lies a constant, single, true…” quote by Sheena Iyengar
Download Open image
“The great artist Michelangelo claimed that his sculptures were already present in the stone, and all he had to do was carve away everything else. Our understanding of identity is often similar: Beneath the many layers of shoulds and shouldn’ts that cover us, there lies a constant, single, true self that is just waiting to be discovered.”

Sheena Iyengar

About This Quote

The quote likens discovering one's true self to sculpting, suggesting that beneath societal expectations lies an authentic identity waiting to be uncovered.

In simple terms: True self is hidden beneath layers of expectations.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond external labels to find core identity.

Themes

identity self‑discovery authenticity

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • therapy
  • coaching
  • creative work

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What layers are you removing?
  • How might your "true self" change over time?
A Different Perspective

Self‑concept can be fluid, not a single fixed core.

2.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Sheena Iyengar

Explore all 158 Sheena Iyengar quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes