Death is the sound of distant thunder at a picnic.
W. H. AudenRead
The image of myself which I try to create in my own mind in order that I may love myself is very different from the image which I try to create in the minds of others in order that they may love me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The self-image one cultivates for personal acceptance differs from the persona created for others' approval.
In this quote, W. H. Auden reflects on the complex nature of self-perception and external validation. He suggests that the way we see ourselves, which is essential for self-love, often contrasts with the image we project to others in hopes of gaining their affection. This dichotomy highlights the struggle between authentic self-acceptance and the desire to be accepted socially, revealing the intricacies of human relationships and self-identity.
Themes
Self-ImageSelf-LoveAcceptanceValidationIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a personal development seminar, to emphasize the importance of self-acceptance.
More from W. H. Auden
All quotes →That the speech of self-disclosure should be translatable seems to me very odd, but I am convinced that it is. The conclusion that I draw is that the only quality which all human being without exception possess is uniqueness: any characteristic, on the other hand, which one individual can be recognized as having in common with another, like red hair or the English language, implies the existence of other individual qualities which this classification excludes.
W. H. AudenRead
Nobody knows what the cause is, though some pretend they do; it like some hidden assassin waiting to strike at you. Childless women get it, and men when they retire; it as if there had to be some outlet for their foiled creative fire.
W. H. AudenRead
History is, strictly speaking, the study of questions; the study of answers belongs to anthropology and sociology.
W. H. AudenRead
Music is the best means we have of digesting time.
W. H. AudenRead
'Healing,' Papa would tell me, 'is not a science, but the intuitive art of wooing nature.'
W. H. AudenRead
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