Identity Quote by Stephen Greenblatt
““Independence & self-reliance had no cultural purchase; indeed, they could scarcely be conceived, let alone prized...The best course was humbly to accept the identity to which destiny assigned you: the ploughman needed only to know how to plough, the weaver to weave, the monk to pray.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise of the Creative Class, 2015
He argues that independence and self‑reliance lack cultural value, urging acceptance of one’s destined role and its simple tasks.
In simple terms: Independence isn’t culturally valued; accept your role’s duties.
Key Takeaway
Embrace your assigned responsibilities.
Themes
culture
identity
destiny
humility
work
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- career counseling
- education
- community service
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
social philosophy
role theory
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel confined by your role?
- How can you find meaning within it?
A Different Perspective
Rigid acceptance may suppress personal ambition.
![“In the worldly life, due to maadakta (intoxication of the ego of ‘I am Chandubhai’), one has completely lost awareness of everything about one’s self. Everything in the worldly life is nothing but intoxication. The food is intoxicating, the senses are intoxicating. [Therefore] Go to the one, who…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dada-bhagwan-31_absolute_in-the-worldly-life-due-to-maadakta-into_3662.jpg)
