Losing myself Quote by Blaise Pascal
““And if one loves me for my judgement, memory, he does not love me , for I can lose these qualities without losing myself. Where, then, is this Ego, if it be neither in the body nor in the soul? And how love the body or the soul, except for these qualities which do not constitute me , since they are perishable? For it is impossible and would be unjust to love the soul of a person in the abstract and whatever qualities might be therein. We never, then, love a person, but only qualities. Let us, then, jeer no more at those who are honoured on account of rank and office; for we love a person only on account of borrowed qualities.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Pensées by Blaise Pascal, 1670
We love people for their temporary qualities, not their true selves, leading to superficial judgments based on status rather than essence.
In simple terms: Love often focuses on fleeting traits, not the whole person.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper, unconditional appreciation of individuals.
Themes
love
ego
identity
qualities
status
Mood
contemplative
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership evaluation
- self‑reflection
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
human nature
philosophy of self
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities do you truly value in others?
- How can you love beyond superficial attributes?
A Different Perspective
Relying on external qualities can prevent authentic connections and self‑knowledge.
![“The mind in its foolishness thinks that it is working in this body. Why should I be bound by one system of nerves, and put the Ego only in one body, if the mind is omnipresent? There is no reason why I should.[Source] The root of that degeneration is egotism - to think that one is just as great as…” quote by Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0f/swami-vivekananda-53_body_the-mind-in-its-foolishness-thinks-that_340144.jpg)
