--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In civilized life, where the happiness…" description: "\"In civilized life, where the happiness, and indeed almost the existence, of man depends so much upon the opinion of his fellow men, he is constantly ac..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59d/washington-irving-1386_acting_in-civilized-life-where-the-happiness-an_507738.png" --- # In civilized life, where the happiness, and indeed almost… ![“In civilized life, where the happiness, and indeed almost the existence, of man depends so much upon the opinion of his fellow men, he is constantly acting a studied part.” quote by Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59d/washington-irving-1386_acting_in-civilized-life-where-the-happiness-an_507738.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59d/washington-irving-1386_acting_in-civilized-life-where-the-happiness-an_507738.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59d/washington-irving-1386_acting_in-civilized-life-where-the-happiness-an_507738.png) > “In civilized life, where the happiness, and indeed almost the existence, of man depends so much upon the opinion of his fellow men, he is constantly acting a studied part.” [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People constantly perform for others, shaping their lives around others' opinions. **In simple terms:** We act to please others, losing authenticity. Key Takeaway Seek authenticity over approval. Themes society identity performance Mood contemplative critical Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - public speaking - social media - workplace interactions - family gatherings Key Concepts philosophy social conformity self-image Questions to Reflect On - How does seeking approval affect personal growth? - What steps foster genuine self‑expression? A Different Perspective True self may be suppressed, causing inner conflict. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting/) [Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence/) [Fellow man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fellow-man/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) ## Related quotes > [In civilized life, where the happiness and indeed almost the existence of man, depends on the opinion of his fellow men. He is constantly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-collier/in-civilized-life-where-the-happiness-and-indeed-almost-the-existence-2/) [Jeremy Collier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-collier/) > [I would like to give acting a go. 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When nothing depends on man, everything depends on him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-grunwald/see-it-all-see-it-fairly-be-truthful-be-sensible-and-be-careful-with/) [Henry Grunwald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-grunwald/) > [Luck always seems to be against the man who depends on it](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/luck-always-seems-to-be-against-the-man-who-depends-on-it/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Washington Irving > [Some minds corrode and grow inactive under the loss of personal liberty; others grow morbid and irritable; but it is the nature of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/some-minds-corrode-and-grow-inactive-under-the-loss-of-personal/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/language-gradually-varies-and-with-it-fade-away-the-writings-of/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [A woman's life is a history of the affections.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/a-woman-s-life-is-a-history-of-the-affections/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/a-father-may-turn-his-back-on-his-child-brothers-and-sisters-may/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/over-no-nation-does-the-press-hold-a-more-absolute-control-than-over/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [I have never found, in anything outside of the four walls of my study, an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing desk with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/i-have-never-found-in-anything-outside-of-the-four-walls-of-my-study/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [There is no character in the comedy of human life more difficult to play well than that of an old bachelor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/there-is-no-character-in-the-comedy-of-human-life-more-difficult-to/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. 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