Top 8 Quotes by 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

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

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

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

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

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

[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

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