Every man Quote by W.H. Auden
““Every man carries within him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow. A parlor game for a wet afternoon – imaging the mirrors of one’s friends. A has a huge pier glass, gilded and baroque, B a discreet little pocket mirror in a pigskin case with his initials stamped on the back; whenever one looks at C, he is in the act of throwing his mirror away but, if one looks in his pocket or up his sleeve, one always finds another, like an extra ace.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished poem, 20th century
Each person carries a personal reflection that is as unavoidable as a shadow, revealing identity through interactions with others.
In simple terms: We all have an inescapable personal mirror.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect others' inner selves.
Themes
identity
reflection
relationships
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal introspection
- friendship
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
self-awareness
perception
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you see yourself in others?
- What does the mirror symbolize?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex identities.
![“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)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
