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What ought a man be? Well, my short answer is 'himself'.
Henrik Ibsen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself.

Henrik Ibsen's quote speaks to the essence of individuality, suggesting that one's primary duty is to be oneself. In a world filled with external pressures and societal expectations, the quote encourages an embrace of one's own identity, beliefs, and values, highlighting that a fulfilling life is rooted in authenticity.

Themes

AuthenticityIndividualitySelfIdentityTrue Self

In practice

Example use cases

In a graduation speech about finding one's path in life.

More from Henrik Ibsen

Labor and trouble one can always get through alone, but it takes two to be glad.
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The majority never has right on its side. Never, I say! That is one of these social lies against which an independent, intelligent men must wage war. Who is it that constitute the majority of the population in a country? Is it the clever folk, or the stupid? I don't imagine you will dispute the fact that at present the stupid people are in an absolutely overwhelming majority all the world over.
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I believe that before anything else I'm a human being -- just as much as you are... or at any rate I shall try to become one. I know quite well that most people would agree with you, Torvald, and that you have warrant for it in books; but I can't be satisfied any longer with what most people say, and with what's in books. I must think things out for myself and try to understand them.
Henrik IbsenRead
Ah, I fancy it is just the same with most of what you call your emancipation. You have read yourself into a number of new ideas and opinions. You have got a sort of smattering of recent discoveries in various fields - discoveries that seem to overthrow certain principles which have hitherto been held impregnable and unassailable. But all this has only been a matter of intellect, Miss West - superficial acquisition. It has not passed into your blood.
Henrik IbsenRead
One should never put on one's best trousers to go out to fight for freedom.
Henrik IbsenRead
It is inexcusable for scientists to torture animals; let them make their experiments on journalists and politicians.
Henrik IbsenRead

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