Desire Quote by Carl Gustav Jung
““The decisive question for man is: Is he related to something infinite or not? That is the telling question of his life. Only if we know that the thing which truly matters is the infinite can we avoid fixing our interests upon futilities, and upon all kinds of goals which are not of real importance. Thus we demand that the world grant us recognition for qualities which we regard as personal possessions: our talent or our beauty. The more a man lays stress on false possessions, and the less sensitivity he has for what is essential, the less satisfying is his life. He feels limited because he has limited aims, and the result is envy and jealousy. If we understand and feel that here in this life we already have a link with the infinite, desires and attitudes change.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Psychological Types, Carl Gustav Jung, 1921
The core idea is that recognizing a connection to something infinite shifts focus from superficial achievements to deeper, meaningful values, reducing envy and increasing fulfillment.
In simple terms: Knowing the infinite changes priorities from trivial to essential.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper purpose beyond material success.
Themes
meaning
purpose
spirituality
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal growth
- relationship building
- creative pursuits
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Existentialism
depth
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “infinite” mean to you?
- How might recognizing deeper purpose alter your daily choices?
A Different Perspective
It can be hard to define or experience the “infinite” in everyday life.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
