--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Response is what we have trained…" description: "\"Response is what we have trained ourselves to be; it is a reflection of our manhood, character, ideals. We cannot always control our surface reactions,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/wilferd-peterson-4878_blow_response-is-what-we-have-trained-ourselv_1688775.jpg" --- # Response is what we have trained ourselves to be; it is a… ![“Response is what we have trained ourselves to be; it is a reflection of our manhood, character, ideals. We cannot always control our surface reactions, but we can sit at the helm of our lives and control our responses to the blows of life.” quote by Wilferd Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/wilferd-peterson-4878_blow_response-is-what-we-have-trained-ourselv_1688775.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/wilferd-peterson-4878_blow_response-is-what-we-have-trained-ourselv_1688775.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/wilferd-peterson-4878_blow_response-is-what-we-have-trained-ourselv_1688775.jpg) > “Response is what we have trained ourselves to be; it is a reflection of our manhood, character, ideals. We cannot always control our surface reactions, but we can sit at the helm of our lives and control our responses to the blows of life.” [Wilferd Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilferd-peterson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Our responses, not reactions, define our character and values, reflecting our inner self. **In simple terms:** Responses shape character more than reactions. Key Takeaway Control your responses, not just reactions. Themes self‑control character mindfulness Mood reflective determined Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - stressful events - conflict - personal setbacks - daily irritations Key Concepts psychology personal growth Questions to Reflect On - How can you pause before reacting? - What values guide your responses? A Different Perspective Responses can be limited by intense emotions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Blow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blow/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Control Responses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/control-responses-1034119/) [Helm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/helm/) [Ideals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideals/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Manhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manhood/) [Our lives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our-lives/) [Reactions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reactions/) [Reflection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reflection/) [Reflection Manhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reflection-manhood-1034121/) [Response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/response/) [Response Trained](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/response-trained-1034120/) [Responses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responses/) [Self-Awareness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-awareness-2/) [Surface](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surface/) ## Related quotes > [We may not be able to create or control all of the events that impact our lives but we can create and control our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilchi-lee/we-may-not-be-able-to-create-or-control-all-of-the-events-that-impact/) [Ilchi Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilchi-lee/) > [There was an exhibition in Munich in 1937, 'Degenerate Art,' which included work by Klee, Kandinsky, Beckmann and many others. 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His goodness undergirds me and uplifts me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilferd-peterson/i-believe-that-god-is-a-power-underneath-my-life-here-on-earth-his/) [Wilferd Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilferd-peterson/) > [Champion the right to be yourself; dare to be different and to set your own pattern, live your own life, and follow your own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilferd-peterson/champion-the-right-to-be-yourself-dare-to-be-different-and-to-set/) [Wilferd Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilferd-peterson/) > [The best leaders are very often the best listeners. They have an open mind. 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