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About this quote

What does it mean?
The self is not only shaped by society; it literally depends on society to exist.
In plain terms
The self owes its existence to society.
What can you take from it?
Recognize social roots of personal identity.

Where it applies

  • identity formation
  • social integration

Putting it to work

  • reflect on social influences
  • engage community

Questions to consider

  • How does society define you?
  • Can you exist outside societal structures?

Another view

Individuals can also affect society, not just be shaped by it.

More from Theodor Adorno

  1. 'Normality is death.'

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. 'Once the last trace of emotion has been eradicated, nothing remains of thought but absolute tautology.'

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. 'None of the abstract concepts comes closer to fulfilled utopia than that of eternal peace.'

    Permalink to quote #64

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