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* I can prove at any time that my education tried to make another person out of me than the one I became. It is for the harm, therefore, that my educators could have done me in accordance with their intentions that I reproach them; I demand from their hands the person I now am, and since they cannot give him to me, I make of my reproach and laughter a drumbeat sounding in the world beyond.

Franz Kafka#63

IdentitySelfGrowthEducation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Education can shape who you are not, but you must reclaim your true self.
In plain terms
Teachers tried to make you someone else, but you are who you are.
What can you take from it?
Own your true self despite training.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • schooling
  • professional training

Putting it to work

  • reject labels
  • define yourself
  • question training

Questions to consider

  • Who told you who to be?
  • Are you living your truth?

Another view

Education often aims to shape character.

More from Franz Kafka

  1. The Messiah will come only when he is no longer necessary; he will come only on the day after his arrival; he will come, not on the last day, but on the very l…

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  2. Life's splendor forever lies in wait about each one of us in all its fullness, but veiled from view, deep down, invisible, far off. It is there, though, not ho…

    Permalink to quote #64
  3. Logic may indeed be unshakeable, but it cannot withstand a man who is determined to live. Where was the judge he had never seen? Where was the High Court he ha…

    Permalink to quote #61

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