--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A human being is a part of the whole…" description: "\"“A human being is a part of the whole, called by us ‘Universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b9/benjamin-riggs-28917_consciousness_a-human-being-is-a-part-of-the-whole-cal_2402838.jpg" --- # A human being is a part of the whole, called by us… ![“A human being is a part of the whole, called by us ‘Universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue…” quote by Benjamin Riggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b9/benjamin-riggs-28917_consciousness_a-human-being-is-a-part-of-the-whole-cal_2402838.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b9/benjamin-riggs-28917_consciousness_a-human-being-is-a-part-of-the-whole-cal_2402838.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b9/benjamin-riggs-28917_consciousness_a-human-being-is-a-part-of-the-whole-cal_2402838.jpg) > ““A human being is a part of the whole, called by us ‘Universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion.” ~ Albert Einstein”” [Benjamin Riggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-riggs/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Einstein describes humanity as a limited fragment of the universe, mistakenly seeing itself as separate, and sees overcoming this illusion as true religion's core aim **In simple terms:** We are tiny parts of the universe, mistakenly feeling separate; true religion frees us from that delusion Key Takeaway Recognize our unity with the cosmos and seek humility Themes philosophy spirituality human nature Mood reflective inspired Type philosophical spiritual When to use this quote - personal meditation - education - spiritual practice - scientific inquiry - environmental activism Key Concepts consciousness illusion holism Questions to Reflect On - How does seeing yourself as part of the whole change your actions? - What practices help dissolve the sense of separation? A Different Perspective The concept of a separate self is deeply ingrained and may resist change ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consciousness/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Thoughts and feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thoughts-and-feelings/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Time and space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time-and-space/) [True religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-religion/) [Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universe/) ## Related quotes > [“A human being is a part of the whole called by us “the universe,” a part limited in time and space. 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