People are continuously living their lives of imitation…
“People are continuously living their lives of imitation, competition, jealousy... Who is bothered about his original face -- and what is one going to do with the original face? But the only people who have known anything worthwhile, who have lived in the authentic sense of living, are the people who have searched for their original face. Certainly you have to get out of this rut of jealousy, competition, imitation, otherwise they won't leave you any time. Somebody is doing something, somebody else is doing something else, and your whole business is to imitate everybody -- they have better clothes, somebody has a better house, somebody has a better garden. People say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and it is true; it looks greener.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques living in imitation and competition, urging authentic self‑discovery beyond superficial comparisons.
In simple terms: Seek authenticity, not imitation.
Key Takeaway
Pursue your true self.
Themes
authenticity
self‑discovery
competition
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- personal growth
- social media
- relationships
Key Concepts
existentialism
ego
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your “original face” look like?
- How can you break free from comparison?
A Different Perspective
Authenticity can be hard to achieve in a conformist society.