Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Interacting with things or people changes who you are.
In plain terms
Touching or being near others affects your character.
What can you take from it?
Experiences shape your identity.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • leadership
  • learning

Putting it to work

  • choosing good influences
  • reflecting on habits

Questions to consider

  • How have others influenced you?
  • What experiences changed you?

Another view

It implies we have little control over how we are changed.

More from Wallace Stevens

  1. In solitude the trumpets of solitude Are not of another solitude resounding; A little string speaks for a crowd of voices.

    Permalink to quote #131
  2. On a blue island in a sky-wide water The wild orange trees continued to bloom and to bear, Long after the planter's death.

    Permalink to quote #133
  3. Music falls on the silence like a sense, A passion that we feel, not understand.

    Permalink to quote #130

Related quotes

  1. I was straight until I heard Denis Leary's voice for the first time.

    Andre SchneiderAndre Schneider quote #3
  2. demons and fishhooks he exclaimed i am losing my personal identity as a worm my individuality is melting away from me odds craw i am becoming part and parcel o…

    Don MarquisDon Marquis quote #23
  3. But will you find me if Neil makes me a tree?

    Neil GaimanNeil Gaiman quote #38