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About this quote

What does it mean?
Stein observes that self-identity is fluid and often relies on memory, which can be unreliable.
In plain terms
You are never fully yourself to yourself except through memory.
What can you take from it?
Identity relies on memory, which can be uncertain.

Where it applies

  • self-reflection
  • psychology
  • personal history

Putting it to work

  • question your self-perception
  • accept fluidity

Questions to consider

  • Who are you to yourself?
  • Do you trust your memory?

Another view

Some aspects of identity feel immediate and real.

More from Gertrude Stein

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  3. The earth is the earth as a peasant sees it, the world is the world as a duchess sees it, and anyway a duchess would be nothing if the earth was not there as t…

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