Consciousness Quote by Boris Pasternak
““Will you feel pain? Do the tissues feel their disintegration? In other words, what will happen to your consciousness? But what is consciousness? Let's see. A conscious attempt to fall asleep is sure to produce insomnia, to try to be conscious of one's own digestion is a sure way to upset the stomach. Consciousness is a poison when we apply it to ourselves. Consciousness is a light directed outward, it lights up the way ahead of us so that we don't stumble. It's like the headlights on a locomotive - turn them inward and you'd have a crash.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview excerpt, date unknown
Consciousness, when turned inward, becomes a hindrance; it should illuminate the external path, not the self, to avoid self‑destruction.
In simple terms: Thinking about yourself too much harms you; focus outward.
Key Takeaway
Use awareness to guide actions, not to over‑analyze yourself.
Themes
self‑awareness
mindfulness
psychology
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative work
- decision making
- stress management
Key Concepts
consciousness
self‑reflection
metacognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you channel self‑awareness outward?
- When does introspection become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Consciousness can also foster insight when balanced, not just a poison.
