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The sisters and brothers that you meet give you the materials which your character uses to build itself. It is said that some people are born great, others achieve it, some have it thrust upon them. In truth, the ways in which your character is built have to do with all three of those. Those around you, those you choose, and those who choose you.
Maya Angelou
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our character is shaped by the people we meet and interact with throughout life.

This quote from Maya Angelou emphasizes the idea that our character is not solely determined by our inherent traits or achievements, but is significantly influenced by our relationships with others. It suggests that everyone we encounter contributes to the development of who we are, highlighting the importance of community, choice, and the interconnectedness of human experiences in shaping our identity.

Themes

CharacterRelationshipsGrowthCommunityInfluence

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about personal development, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.

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If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?
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The white American man makes the white American woman maybe not superfluous but just a little kind of decoration. Not really important to turning around the wheels of the state. Well the black American woman has never been able to feel that way. No black American man at any time in our history in the United States has been able to feel that he didn't need that black woman right against him, shoulder to shoulder-in that cotton field, on the auction block, in the ghetto, wherever.
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I dreamt we walked together along the shore. We made satisfying small talk and laughed. This morning I found sand in my shoe and a seashell in my pocket. Was I only dreaming?
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I know that I'm not the easiest person to live with. The challenge I put on myself is so great that the person I live with feels himself challenged. I bring a lot to bear, and I don't know how not to.
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I think Clinton, after getting into office and into Washington, was shocked at being bludgeoned. So he spent time trying to be all things to all people - one way guaranteed not to be successful or respected in a lion's den. You can't just play around with all those big cats - you've got to take somebody on.
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