"We define ourselves, in part, by the discriminations we make. The value of what we love is enriched by our understanding of what we dislike"

David Ansen's quote invites us to contemplate the important role that individual choices and discriminations play in forming our identity. Let's dive deeper into his assertion.

At its core, Ansen's declaration suggests that our identities are not formed in isolation however rather through the myriad options, choices, and discriminations we make daily. When Ansen describes "discriminations", he is not necessarily speaking in the negative connotation of bias however rather indicating the options and differences we naturally make to browse the world. These choices help take a personal identity-- a mosaic constructed from what we pick to welcome and reject.

The very first part of the quote, "We define ourselves, in part, by the discriminations we make", implies that our identity is a constellation of yeses and noes, likes and dislikes. It's the books we choose to check out and those we put down, individuals we maintain relationships with and those we distance ourselves from. All these decisions contribute to self-definition, working as markers that line up with our internal worths, beliefs, and desires.

Moving to the second part, "The value of what we love is improved by our understanding of what we do not like", Ansen recommends an extensive connection in between love and aversion. Our gratitude for certain things is heightened by the awareness of their revers. For instance, a love for peace is more profound when one has a clear understanding of chaos and condition. By exploring and acknowledging what we do not like or disapprove, we can include texture and depth to the things we love.

Overall, Ansen's insight highlights that identity is a vibrant interplay of acceptance and rejection. Recognizing the important things we distance ourselves from can boost our appreciation for what we select to fill our lives with, ultimately enriching our understanding of self. In essence, the quote motivates us to accept both aspects-- love and aversion-- to acquire a fuller understanding of who we are.