"Today self-consciousness no longer means anything but reflection on the ego as embarrassment, as realization of impotence: knowing that one is nothing"

Theodor Adorno's quote speaks with the concept that self-consciousness is no longer a reflection of the self, however rather a reflection of the ego and its imperfections. He suggests that self-consciousness is now connected with feelings of embarrassment and an awareness of one's own impotence. This indicates that we understand our own limitations and weaknesses, and that we are not able to do anything to alter them. Adorno's quote recommends that we are no longer able to take pride in ourselves, however instead are left feeling helpless and irrelevant. This could be seen as a commentary on the modern-day world, where we are continuously bombarded with pictures of perfection and success, leaving us feeling inadequate and unable to measure up. Adorno's quote serves as a pointer that we need to not repent of our weaknesses, but rather need to make every effort to be the very best version of ourselves.