QuoteProject
We are only what we are in the dark; all the rest is reputation.
Oswald Chambers
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of our true selves, which often remain hidden from the public eye, as opposed to the personas we project to others.

Oswald Chambers' quote suggests that our true identity is defined by our actions and thoughts in private moments, away from societal scrutiny. It points out that reputation, while significant in life, is merely an external perception that does not fully encapsulate who we are deep down. Therefore, it’s in our private conduct that our genuine character is revealed, emphasizing the importance of integrity and authenticity.

Themes

IdentityReputationAuthenticityIntegritySelf-Awareness

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about personal integrity, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of being true to oneself.

More from Oswald Chambers

Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life-gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.
Oswald ChambersRead
Never make the blunder of trying to forecast the way God is going to answer your prayer.
Oswald ChambersRead
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God.
Oswald ChambersRead
When we preach the love of God there is a danger of forgetting that the Bible reveals not first the love of God but the intense, blazing holiness of God, with His love at the center of that holiness.
Oswald ChambersRead
It is much easier to do something than to trust in God; we mistake panic for inspiration.
Oswald ChambersRead
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion.
Oswald ChambersRead

Similar quotes

Abolition of a woman's right to abortion, when and if she wants it, amounts to compulsory maternity: a form of rape by the State.
Edward AbbeyRead
Be careful, lest in casting out your demon you exorcise the best thing in you.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
Why are we designed to see the world as supremely beautiful just as we're about to be snuffed? Do rabbits feel the same as the fox teeth bite down on their necks? Is it mercy?
Margaret AtwoodRead
All growth, progress, well - being, or degradation is but relative.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Protestants in France are under intolerable despotism. Although open persecution does not now exist, yet it depends upon the whim of the king, queen, parliament, or any of the ministry.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
If a witch needs something, another witch will give it to her. If there is war to be fought, we don't consider cost one of the factors in deciding whether or not it is right to fight. Nor do we have any notion of honor. An insult to a bear is a deadly thing. To us...inconceivable. How could you insult a witch? What would it matter if you did?
Philip PullmanRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.