Charles Taylor Quotes

• 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

  Struggle, Long, Parent

  Charles Taylor (1995). “Philosophical Arguments”, p.230, Harvard University Press

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• 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

  Giving, Missing, Way

  Charles Taylor (1994). “Multiculturalism”, p.30, Princeton University Press

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• 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

  Commitment, Who I Am, Knowing

  Charles Taylor (1992). “Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity”, p.27, Cambridge University Press

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• 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

  Expression, Understanding, Identity

  Charles Taylor (1992). “The Ethics of Authenticity”, p.33, Harvard University Press

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• There is a widespread sense of loss here, if not always of God, then at least of meaning.

  Charles Taylor

  Loss, Ifs

  Charles TAYLOR (2009). “A SECULAR AGE”, p.552, Harvard University Press

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• [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

  Unique, Voice, Mold

  Charles Taylor (1994). “Multiculturalism”, p.30, Princeton University Press

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• 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

  Running, Should Have, Principles

  Charles Taylor (1992). “The Ethics of Authenticity”, p.110, Harvard University Press

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• Little countries do not have this luxury of defending themselves. We have to do it before the fact, not after the fact

  Charles Taylor

  Country, Luxury, Littles

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