--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our character is composed of our ideas…" description: "\"Our character is composed of our ideas and our feelings: and, since it has been proved that we give ourselves neither feelings nor ideas, our character..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d76/voltaire-173_character_our-character-is-composed-of-our-ideas-a_993623.png" --- # Our character is composed of our ideas and our feelings… ![“Our character is composed of our ideas and our feelings: and, since it has been proved that we give ourselves neither feelings nor ideas, our character does not depend on us. If it did depend on us, there is nobody who would not be perfect. If one does not reflect, one thinks oneself master of…” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d76/voltaire-173_character_our-character-is-composed-of-our-ideas-a_993623.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d76/voltaire-173_character_our-character-is-composed-of-our-ideas-a_993623.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d76/voltaire-173_character_our-character-is-composed-of-our-ideas-a_993623.png) > “Our character is composed of our ideas and our feelings: and, since it has been proved that we give ourselves neither feelings nor ideas, our character does not depend on us. If it did depend on us, there is nobody who would not be perfect. If one does not reflect, one thinks oneself master of everything; but when one does reflect, one realizes that one is master of nothing” [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human character is shaped by external ideas and feelings, not by personal control, suggesting inherent imperfection. **In simple terms:** Character comes from outside, not our control. Key Takeaway Accept limits, seek humility. Themes philosophy human nature humility Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal growth - relationships - self-reflection Key Concepts determinism self-awareness Questions to Reflect On - Do you think we can change our character? - How does recognizing limits affect behavior? A Different Perspective It may overlook personal agency and growth potential. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [If one does not reflect, one thinks oneself master of everything; but when one does reflect, one realizes that one is master of nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/voltaire/if-one-does-not-reflect-one-thinks-oneself-master-of-everything-but/) [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) > [Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. 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