---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The American uppermiddle-class citizen is…"
description: "\"The American uppermiddle-class citizen is a composite of negatives. He is largely delineated by what he is not. - pg. 41\" — William S. Burroughs"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae9/william-s-burroughs-528_citizens_the-american-uppermiddle-class-citizen-i_545439.png"
---

#  The American uppermiddle-class citizen is a composite of…

![“The American uppermiddle-class citizen is a composite of negatives. He is largely delineated by what he is not. - pg. 41” quote by William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae9/william-s-burroughs-528_citizens_the-american-uppermiddle-class-citizen-i_545439.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae9/william-s-burroughs-528_citizens_the-american-uppermiddle-class-citizen-i_545439.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae9/william-s-burroughs-528_citizens_the-american-uppermiddle-class-citizen-i_545439.png)

> “The American uppermiddle-class citizen is a composite of negatives. He is largely delineated by what he is not. - pg. 41”

[William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-s-burroughs/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote critiques upper‑middle‑class identity as defined by negation and lack of positive self‑definition.

**In simple terms:** Identity defined by what one is not.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate positive self‑definition.

Themes

identity class negativity

Mood

critical analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- social analysis
- personal development
- cultural critique

Key Concepts

sociology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- How does negation shape self‑image?
- What positive traits define this class?

A Different Perspective

May generalize a diverse group.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Citizen Composite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/citizen-composite-2128751/) [Citizens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/citizens/) [Class](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class/) [Class Citizen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class-citizen-616814/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Largely Delineated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/largely-delineated-2128752/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Negatives Largely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negatives-largely-2128750/) [Uppermiddle Class](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uppermiddle-class-2128749/)

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