There is a widespread sense of loss here, if not always of God, then at least of meaning. Charles Taylor More Quotes by Charles Taylor More Quotes From Charles Taylor We define our identity always in dialogue with, sometimes in struggle against, the things our significant others want to see in us. Even after we outgrow some of these others—our parents, for instance—and they disappear from our lives, the conversation with them continues within us as long as we live. Charles Taylor parent struggle long To know who I am is a species of knowing where I stand. My identity is defined by the commitments and identifications which provide the frame or horizon within which I can try to determine from case to case what is good, or valuable, or what ought to be done, or what I endorse or oppose. In other words, it is the horizon within which I am capable of taking a stand. Charles Taylor who-i-am knowing commitment There is a certain way of being human that is my way. I am called upon to live my life in this way, and not in imitation of anyone else's life. But this notion gives a new importance to being true to myself. If I am not, I miss the point of my life; I miss what being human is for me. Charles Taylor missing giving way We become full human agents, capable of understanding ourselves, and hence of defining our identity, through our acquisition of rich human languages of expression. Charles Taylor understanding identity expression [E]ach of our voices has something unique to say. Not only should I not mold my life to the demands of external conformity; I can't even find the model by which to live outside myself. I can only find it within. Charles Taylor mold voice unique Little countries do not have this luxury of defending themselves. We have to do it before the fact, not after the fact Charles Taylor luxury littles country What should have died along with communism is the belief that modern societies can be run on a single principle, whether that of planning under the general will or that of free-market allocations. Charles Taylor principles should-have running
