"Une fois que tu m'étiquettes tu me nies."

When you put a label on someone, you strip away their complexity and reduce them to a single, flat dimension. It’s like judging a book by its cover; you miss out on the richness inside. The core idea here is that labels limit our understanding of people and prevent us from seeing them as whole individuals with unique experiences and nuances.

This quote comes from the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. He lived in the 19th century, a time when societal roles and expectations were very rigid. He emphasized the importance of personal freedom and individuality, and this quote reflects that. People tend to categorize others quickly—whether it’s by their job, their appearance, or their social status. Kierkegaard was pushing back against this tendency, arguing that such labels can diminish our ability to appreciate the full person.

Think about high school cliques for a moment. Remember how there were the jocks, the nerds, the artists, and so on? Imagine you were labeled as a "nerd." People might assume you’re all about books and have zero social skills. But what if you’re also a talented musician or an amazing athlete? The label doesn’t allow for that. It confines you to a narrow box, ignoring your broader capabilities and interests.

So how do we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? First, be mindful of the labels you use. When you meet someone new, resist the urge to categorize them immediately. Take the time to learn about their interests, their story, and their perspective. Second, question the labels that have been put on you. Are you really just an introvert, or do you have moments where you love socializing? Labels shouldn’t limit your self-concept.

Let me tell you a relatable story. Picture a workplace setting. Emma joins a new company, and she’s introduced as the “new marketing girl.” Everyone assumes she’s only good at marketing. But as weeks go by, Emma reveals her knack for coding. She develops an internal tool that streamlines team communication. Her coworkers are stunned. They only saw her through the lens of that initial label. Had they looked beyond it, they’d have discovered her skills much earlier, and perhaps collaborated more effectively from the start.

To avoid falling into the trap of labels, practice curiosity and openness. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “What do you do?” try “What excites you about your work?” This approach invites a richer conversation and reveals more about the person than a simple job title ever could.

So, next time you find yourself labeling someone—or even yourself—pause. Remember that every individual is a blend of countless experiences and traits. Labels might be convenient in the short term, but they negate the depth and complexity of who we truly are. And honestly, who wants to be stuck in a box when there’s a whole world of experiences to explore?