Autobiography Quote by W.H. Auden
![“Every autobiography is concerned with two characters, a Don Quixote, the Ego, and a Sancho Panza, the Self. […] If the same person were to write his autobiography twice, first in one mode and then in the other, the two accounts would be so different that it would be hard to believe that they…” quote by W.H. Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e5/w-h-auden-2-7412_autobiography_every-autobiography-is-concerned-with-tw_817555.jpg)
““Every autobiography is concerned with two characters, a Don Quixote, the Ego, and a Sancho Panza, the Self. […] If the same person were to write his autobiography twice, first in one mode and then in the other, the two accounts would be so different that it would be hard to believe that they referred to the same person. In one he would appear as an obsessed creature, a passionate Knight forever serenading Faith or Beauty, humorless and over-life-size; in the other as coolly detached, full of humor and self-mockery, lacking in a capacity for affection, easily bored and smaller than life-size. As Don Quixote seen by Sancho Panza, he never prays; as Sancho Panza seen by Don Quixote, he never giggles.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Autobiography of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza”, 1955
People present different selves—egoistic and humble—when narrating their lives, revealing how perspective shapes identity.
In simple terms: Self‑perception changes with viewpoint.
Key Takeaway
Recognize multiple facets of your identity.
Themes
identity
perspective
ego
humility
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- writing memoirs
- therapy
- self‑reflection
- creative arts
Key Concepts
psychology
literature
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Which version of yourself do you most identify with?
- How does changing perspective alter your self‑story?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on one self can limit growth and understanding.
![“Cassio is a ladies’ man, that is to say, a man who feels most at home in feminine company where his looks and good manners make him popular, but is ill at ease in the company of his own sex because he is unsure of his own masculinity. […] Cassio is a ladies’ man, not a seducer. With women of his…” quote by W.H. Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb5/w-h-auden-2-7412_business_cassio-is-a-ladies-man-that-is-to-say-a_87978.jpg)
