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The first thing, the very very first thing, "Find out what…

“The first thing, the very very first thing, "Find out what your greatest characteristic is, your greatest undoing, your central characteristic of unconsciousness." Each one's is different. Somebody is sex-obsessed. In a country like India, where for centuries sex has been repressed, that has…” quote by G. I. Gurdjieff
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“The first thing, the very very first thing, "Find out what your greatest characteristic is, your greatest undoing, your central characteristic of unconsciousness." Each one's is different. Somebody is sex-obsessed. In a country like India, where for centuries sex has been repressed, that has become almost a universal characteristic; everybody is obsessed with sex. Somebody is obsessed with anger, and somebody else is obsessed with greed. You have to watch which is your basic obsession.”

G. I. Gurdjieff

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Recognize your dominant unconscious drive, as it shapes behavior and choices.

In simple terms: Identify your main hidden obsession.

Key Takeaway

Observe and balance your core drive.

Themes

self‑awareness psychology personal growth

Mood

introspective serious

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • relationship dynamics
  • career decisions
  • habit formation
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

unconscious patterns shadow self

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden drive governs your actions?
  • How can you redirect it positively?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring the obsession can lead to self‑sabotage.

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