In this quote from Dorothy Dunnett's "Checkmate," the idea is conveyed that a person's origins or background are insignificant. Birth and heredity are seen as obstacles rather than defining factors, emphasizing the importance of individual effort and self-determination. What truly matters is what a person chooses to become through their actions and character.

The quote suggests that identity is shaped by personal choices rather than inherited traits. It underscores the belief that anyone can overcome their circumstances and create their own destiny, making personal agency the key to success and self-fulfillment.