Skip to content

Belong Quote by W. H. Auden

“I have never, I think, wanted to 'belong' to a group whose interests were not mine, nor have I resented exclusion. Why should thet accept me? All I have ever asked is that others should go their way and let me go mine.” quote by W. H. Auden
Download Open image
““I have never, I think, wanted to 'belong' to a group whose interests were not mine, nor have I resented exclusion. Why should thet accept me? All I have ever asked is that others should go their way and let me go mine.””

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Age of Anxiety" by W. H. Auden, 1947

The speaker values personal autonomy over forced affiliation, rejecting belonging to groups whose goals don’t align with his own.

In simple terms: Prefer independence over unwanted group membership.

Key Takeaway

Choose paths that match your own goals.

Themes

individualism autonomy identity freedom

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical personal

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • social circles
  • political movements
  • creative collaborations

Key Concepts

existentialism self‑determination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What groups truly reflect your values?
  • How do you balance independence with community?
A Different Perspective

May overlook benefits of cooperative effort and shared resources.

2.8 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by W. H. Auden

Explore all 344 W. H. Auden quotes

More Belong quotes

Browse all 1,571 Belong quotes