Quote by Ralph Ellison
Some people are your relatives but others are your ancestors, and you choose the ones you want to have as ancestors. You create yourself out of those values.
Summary
This quote reflects the idea that while there are certain individuals who are genetically related to you by being your relatives, it is up to you to determine who truly influences and shapes your identity. The term "ancestors" symbolizes those individuals, regardless of blood ties, whose values and beliefs you look up to and adopt in your own life. It suggests that through conscious choices, you can select your role models and establish your identity based on the values that resonate with you, rather than solely relying on genetic connections.