Of course. A new consciousness - I that that is the word,'…
““Of course. A new consciousness - I that that is the word,' said the old man after he had thought a moment. 'That is what I hope it is. You and your African and Colombian, you are speaking the same language now, you know the same ideas. You are conscious that life on earth is flux. Men are better educated. They are more disciplined than in the past - their schedules are harder, their lives move faster, efficiency digs into them. Men are more sophisticated -every day they have more alternatives to choose among than they can possibly exhaust. Through psychiatry they know their strengths and weaknesses. They know the risks of every choice. This is what I mean by consciousness. Men know so much about everything they do. It was much simpler when they didn't know, when they simply acted out of instinct, believed from instinct, loved from instinct, brought up children by their instincts. Perhaps people were even happier. But now we are more conscious. We have got to live with our greater knowledge. We have got to live with our greater freedom.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker reflects on how modern consciousness brings greater knowledge, choice, and freedom, but also more complexity and responsibility compared to instinctual living.
In simple terms: Modern awareness adds knowledge, choice, and responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Embrace knowledge while staying grounded.
Themes
consciousness
knowledge
freedom
complexity
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- education
- mental health
- life planning
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
modernity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance freedom with responsibility?
- Can more knowledge reduce happiness?
A Different Perspective
Greater knowledge can overwhelm and paralyze action.