1.
CREATIVE SELFHOOD
Who We Are, Why We Exist
Here’s a selection of provocative
insights, intriguing perspectives,
and practical wisdom brought
together to expand ongoing public
and global conversations about:
What it really means to be
human.
What a person’s life is truly
about.

2.
Who We Are, Why We Exist
“Count that day lost whose
low descending sun
Views from thy hand no
worthy action done.”
(Anonymous)

3.
“Let each become all that
he was created capable of being:
expand, if possible, to his full growth;
and show himself at length
in his own shape and stature.”
-Thomas Carlyle
Who We Are, Why We Exist

4.
Who We Are, Why We Exist
“There is no one who can take
our place. Each of us weaves a
strand in the web of creation.
What we have to contribute is
both unique and irreplaceable.
The entire world depends on
our individual choices.”
-Duane Elgine

5.
Who We Are, Why We Exist
“There is increasing scientific
evidence that a man’s physical
and psychological health are
profoundly affected by the
degree to which he has found
meaning, direction, and
purpose in his existence.”
-Sidney M. Jourard

6.
Who We Are, Why We Exist
“Nothing useless is, or low;
Each thing in its place is best;
And what seems but idle show
Strengthens and supports the
rest.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

7.
Who We Are, Why We Exist
“Each unit of nature has its special
work to do and each performs its
function to perfection in accordance
with the laws of the universe. So also
human beings, each has a distinct
contribution to make.
Be what you were intended to be.
Give what you OUGHT to give.”
-Douglas Malloch

8.
“It is the greatest
mistake to do
nothing because
you can only do
little –
Do what you can”
-Sydney Smith
Who We Are, Why We Exist

9.
Who We Are, Why We Exist
“Live for something, have a
purpose
And that purpose keep in view;
Drifting like a helmless vessel,
Thou cans’t ne’er to life be
true.”

10.
WHY CREATIVE SELFHOOD?
Probably, the Most Effective Antidote to:
Depression
Meaninglessness
Hopelessness
Despair
Who We Are ,Why We Exist

11.
WHY CREATIVE SELFHOOD?
Who We Are ,Why We Exist
“Ever more people today [who] have
the means to live, but not the meaning
to live for.”

12.
WHY CREATIVE SELFHOOD?
“The Forgotten Four-Fifths” who have
neither the means to live, nor the
meaning to live for.
Who We Are ,Why We Exist

13.
WHY CREATIVE SELFHOOD?
“Honored and well educated but
without ever having experienced what it
really means to be human.”
Who We Are ,Why We Exist

14.
WHY CREATIVE SELFHOOD?
Who We Are ,Why We Exist
“The emptiness of having all you
ever wanted, but knowing that
it is not enough
– that something is still missing.”

15.
Why Creative Selfhood Matters
“Hundreds of young people who have
so much to live for [but decide to] take
their own lives every year.”
Who We Are ,Why We Exist

16.
WHY CREATIVE SELFHOOD?
“Most of us [who] go to our graves
with our music still inside
[unplayed, unheard].”
Who We Are ,Why We Exist

17.
CALL TO ACTION
Who We Are ,Why We Exist
Every human life has its
What is your own?