Reactions to this quote?

Question

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else- means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting."

ee cummings


what points and concepts do you think are significant from this quote?

how do you think it pertains to past events in history, and the present?


thanks so much for answering!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Individualism, identity of self, ownership, self confidence.
Makes me think of the Nazis who clamed to be " Only following orders" after WW2. If they truly wanted to fight against the mainstream acceptance, they could have done, but it is so much easier to wallow in the communal pool of acceptance than to stand up and say " I'm right, no matter what you say"
Conforming- any body who has to fight for identity nowadays; fat or skinny people, anybody who disagrees with the tabloid norm- so maybe people who stay virgins till mariage. etc.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks for your input...
:)

Answer 2

This quote focuses around individualism and "being you" in the face of society. It portrays society as a negative force, going against individuality and embracing conformity.

To me this brings to mind the temperance movement. Enough people felt that alcohol was causing society harm that they encouraged congress to pass an amendment to constitution that made it illegal. The amendment was eventually repealed, but it shows how society can act to limit the individual and force him to take specific actions.

Answer 3

Know thyself; be yourself, be true to your convictions.

Answer 4

from fight club....to let that which does not matter truly slide.

be able to let go of what you think you shoudl be doing...what you think others expect of you...what society wants you to do or be, and following your own heart.

I have never heard that one..i like it