Skip to content

Once you have realised that there is no objective external…

“Once you have realised that there is no objective external world to be found; that what you know is only a filtered and processed version, then it is a short step to the thought that, in that case, other people too are nothing but a processed shadow, and but a short step more to the belief that…” quote by Peter Høeg
Download Open image
““Once you have realised that there is no objective external world to be found; that what you know is only a filtered and processed version, then it is a short step to the thought that, in that case, other people too are nothing but a processed shadow, and but a short step more to the belief that every person must somehow be shut away, isolated behind their own unreliable sensory apparatus. And then the thought springs easily to mind that man is, fundamentally, alone. That the world is made up of disconnected consciousnesses, each isolated within the illusion created by its own senses, floating in a featureless vacuum. He does not put it so bluntly, but the idea is not far away. That, fundamentally, man is alone.””

Peter Høeg

About This Quote

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

The quote suggests that reality is a subjective construct, and each mind is isolated, leading to existential loneliness.

In simple terms: Reality is filtered; we are isolated minds.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty and seek connection.

Themes

existentialism solitude perception philosophy

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • philosophical discussion
  • mental health counseling

Key Concepts

subjective reality isolated consciousness illusion sensory limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we overcome perceived isolation?
  • Can empathy bridge sensory gaps?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook shared human experiences that bridge isolation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Peter Høeg

Explore all 110 Peter Høeg quotes

More Philosophy of Mind quotes

Browse all 12,692 Philosophy of Mind quotes