Skip to content

Oneself Quote by Virginia Woolf

“To let oneself be carried on passively is unthinkable.” quote by Virginia Woolf
Download Open image
“To let oneself be carried on passively is unthinkable.”

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Passive Self, 1925

Allowing oneself to be passively carried by external forces undermines agency and self‑determination.

In simple terms: Passive acceptance erodes personal agency.

Key Takeaway

Embrace active participation in life.

Themes

agency passivity self‑determination autonomy

Mood

reflective determined

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily decision making
  • career choices
  • political activism

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology of control

Questions to Reflect On

  • What choices are you letting others make?
  • How can you assert agency today?
A Different Perspective

Passivity can be a coping mechanism.

3.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Virginia Woolf

Explore all 1,872 Virginia Woolf quotes

More Oneself quotes

Browse all 2,178 Oneself quotes