Instead of boiling up individuals into the species, I would draw a chalk circle round every individuality, and preach to it to keep within that, and preserve and cultivate its identity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Carlyle argues that we should protect individual identity rather than absorbing people into a generic group.
- In plain terms
- Respect each person's unique identity instead of grouping them.
- What can you take from it?
- Preserve individuality instead of forcing conformity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we balance group and individual needs?
- What is the value of sameness?
Another view
It may understate the need for social cohesion.
More from Jane Welsh Carlyle
Oh Lord! If you but knew what a brimstone of a creature I am behind all this beautiful amiability!
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Permalink to quote #6 In spite of the honestest efforts to annihilate my I-ity, or merge it in what the world doubtless considers my better half, I still find myself a self-subsisti…
Permalink to quote #3
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