You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote presents a profound exploration of the human identity. At its core, this quote speaks to the idea that our personal identities are not static or rigid constructs, but rather, evolving amalgamations of our life experiences. Every movie we've watched, every conversation we've engaged in, every meal we've relished, every scent we've inhaled, every piece of advice we've received, and even the information we've forgotten, all contribute to shaping who we are. They form the underpinning of our thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and perspectives. Even the forgotten experiences play a critical role as they exist in our subconscious, subtly influencing our actions and reactions in ways we might not directly understand. Therefore, this quote challenges us to appreciate the complexity of our identity formation and to recognize the significant influence of our environment and experiences.
Who said the quote?
The quote "You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot" was said by Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.