Further Whoever was responsible for the idea of dividing…
““Further Whoever was responsible for the idea of dividing self into lower and higher parts committed a serious crime against humanity. This division has given rise to the notion that the lower (ego and immature) self must be overcome while the higher (unitive and whole) self must be sought as the goal of human realization. Out of ignorance, I too clung to this notion because I believed it was this higher self that would be united with God for all eternity. It took a long time before my experiences led me to doubt this conviction and, at the same time, let in the possibility that this was not the whole truth and that there was still further to go. Bernadette Roberts””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Dividing the self into lower and higher parts creates a false moral hierarchy that limits true spiritual growth.
In simple terms: Seeing self as split into good and bad hinders wholeness.
Key Takeaway
Embrace integration, not opposition.
Themes
spirituality
self‑knowledge
duality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- therapy
- spiritual retreats
- philosophical study
Key Concepts
psychology
non‑dualism
ego
higher self
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling parts of self as “lower” affect behavior?
- Can wholeness be pursued without a hierarchical view?
A Different Perspective
The concept may oversimplify complex human psychology.