Death Quote by Austin Osman Spare
““I deas about the ‘self ’ conflict with each other and cannot be slain – their very resistance is what gives them the appearance of reality. Neither death nor cunning can overcome them, but only reinforce their energy. The dead are reborn again, and find themselves lying in the womb of conscience. To allow full development is to assert decay. On the other hand, non-resistance to these ideas represents a regression to primordial simplicity, and to the original unity, uncontaminated by ‘ideas’. In this way, non-resistance to these ideas creates the state of ‘does not matter – please yourself ’. The conception ‘I am not’ necessarily follows “I am’as surely as night follows day.The idea of pain implies the idea of pleasure, and so it is with all ideas. By means of this duality, remember to laugh at all times, recognise all things, resist nothing, and there will then be no conflict, incompatibility or compulsion.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Pleasure (An Illustrated Commentary on the Book of the Law) by Austin Osman Spare, 1913
The self is divided by conflicting ideas that seem real; only by relinquishing resistance and embracing non‑attachment can one dissolve conflict and return to a unified, effortless state.
In simple terms: Conflicting ideas create false reality; letting go ends conflict.
Key Takeaway
Release resistance, accept unity.
Themes
self
duality
non‑attachment
conflict resolution
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
calm
insightful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative work
- personal crisis
- decision making
- conflict mediation
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
metaphysics
non‑duality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice non‑attachment in daily decisions?
- When is resistance justified?
A Different Perspective
Non‑resistance may be impractical when action is required; sometimes decisive effort is necessary.
