”Bond. James Bond.” – Margaret Thatcher. Misattribute a famous quote and explore the implications of doing so.

In this current social media age, it is difficult to ascertain which is the principal, unyielding part of our identities- our public image or our actions.

When a quote is misattributed, there is a struggle between the value of the words and the image of the falsely quoted figure. A single misattributed quote forces a winner to be named in the battle between image and actions, a battle often instigated by social media. The implications of this demand us to examine a greater dilemma, what this means for our identities.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”-Joey Essex, cast member of ‘Towie’, champion of binge drinking. When a quote is misattributed, either the value of the words or the image of the figure remains unchanged. If the image of Joey Essex remains unchanged, the quotes’ inspirational message of risk-taking is eroded into a slogan for binge drinking. If the original message prevails, Joey Essex is reimagined into a perceptive, inspirational figure. Yet there are no laws regulating the battle between image and words, thus the winner is subjective. To some, Joey Essex’s image will be altered. To others, the quotes' meaning is diminished.

The implication of this is doubt over the value of our image and actions. This singular misattributed quote reveals that how we define ourselves, based on others perceptions, is worthless. It shows that even what we have deemed inflexible, our words, have no intrinsic meaning hence are as fragile as our image.

Seemingly, these are bleak implications. However, these implications present potential. The power of a misattributed quote may undo our superficial identities, yet it also creates space for us to redefine ourselves. Even the notion of inspirational quotes is symptomatic of the problem caused by outward-facing identities. We hail the words of others more than our own. It is undeniable that those words are impactful, but as established they are easily manipulated. As a society, we are becoming aware of this. Consequently, millions of people are endowed with a deep distrust for everything, which is evident in the growing concern over ‘fake news’. The true implications of this misattributed quote, or rather any misattributed quote, is the revelation that the principal, unyielding part of our identities is neither our image nor our words. Rather, it lies in our aspirations, our passions and experiences. Additionally, misattributed quotes highlight that only our inward qualities are shielded from manipulation, such as our determination, drive and kindness. As identity becomes so heavily manufactured and hence so fragile, it is these things we must cling to. Furthermore, it shows we cannot rely on quotes as a source of inspiration. We must use ourselves as inspiration, our own experiences and aspirations.

Ultimately, the implications of this misattributed quote point to the truth that we can only truly know ourselves, and to obtain this knowledge we must examine ourselves as heavily as we scrutinise what we read. Then, we must use our discoveries to formulate an inward-facing, immovable identity.

What would winning a Crowd Scholar scholarship mean to you?

In 2019, I spent time in a psychiatric ward. I was struggling with depression, undiagnosed ASD, overwhelmed by working 28 hours a week whilst studying four A-levels. However, I transformed this setback into success. I pushed for an ASD diagnosis and obtained this after 5 years of fighting. Then, I pushed for social workers to take action after years of ineffectual intervention and was placed into foster care.

I moved to my current sixth form, re-sat year 12, immersed myself in my studies and resultantly was predicted three A*’s. My perseverance proved worthwhile as I achieved a place to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Oxford. I attained this despite living independently, leaving foster care when the pandemic struck. Winning a crowd scholar scholarship would enable me to focus on my academic endeavours unhindered by my financial situation.

Furthermore, I am insistent on generating positive change from my negative experiences. I’m developing a book for struggling autistic girls. I hope to give these girls the help I needed growing up. Winning this scholarship would allow me to spend more time creating this and less time funding my studies.

Ultimately, by allowing me to embark on further study, winning a crowd scholar scholarship would mean my persistence wasn’t futile.

Lead Practitioner, Sir Harry Smith Community College:

I am writing on behalf of CJ, whom I have known for 18 months in my capacity as her English teacher. CJ is, without question, one of the most intellectually engaged students that the College has produced over the past decade.

CJ has overcome considerable adversity to succeed in her studies. She adjusted to a disruptive move during her original sixth form place, and she had to arrange independent accommodation when she turned 18, due to her status as a Looked After Child. Despite these challenges, she is on track to attain A* or Distinction star in all her subjects and has received an offer to read PPE at Oxford University.

In English Literature, CJ is a formidable thinker whose contributions are invaluable to class discussions, underscoring her ability to draw out nuanced observations on a range of topics. She reads extensively and her knowledge of culture and identity are often inflected in her interpretations of literary texts, to the great benefit of her classmates. These interactions gesture toward one of her greatest strengths, namely her willingness to take intellectual risks. CJ is a fluent writer, adept at recalibrating her voice and register for a variety of purposes.

CJ’s independent study has been no less ambitious. In one of several optional tutorials that she organised with me, she explored neoliberalism through the lens of moral philosophy, challenging herself by reading Wendy Brown’s 'Undoing the Demos.' Throughout such challenging tutorials, CJ never lost track of her own critical voice. Most impressively, CJ demonstrated that she could flourish outside of her comfort zone.

In Business, CJ has outstanding subject knowledge, shows excellent analysis of business scenarios, and is always able to make very clear, concise, and supported conclusions. She displays very high levels of motivation for the subject, reading around topics that are often outside the syllabus. CJ has shown excellent determination to achieve the highest outcomes. She makes valued contributions to discussion and supports her judgements with very well-considered arguments.

In Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics, CJ is extremely able and understands the topics studied easily. She is very well read, actively seeking out source materials and secondary readings to improve her knowledge. Her critical thinking skills are excellent, and she evaluates material in original ways. CJ has shown particular interest in the field of Philosophy, delivering expertly crafted essays regarding the Ontological Argument for the existence of God and the validity of Religious Experience. She seeks out additional learning opportunities to enhance her knowledge. It is worth noting CJ’s social conscience and selfless contributions to the College: she is currently the Philosophy Ambassador, and she has also worked tirelessly as a teaching assistant in Year 7 Religious Education lessons.

My view of CJ—as that rare combination of earnestness, hard work, and natural talent—could not be higher. I believe she is an excellent choice for a scholarship from your institution.