--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The decisive question for man is: Is he…" description: "\"“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..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d05/carl-gustav-jung-18575_desire_the-decisive-question-for-man-is-is-he-r_2879303.jpg" --- # The decisive question for man is: Is he related to… ![“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…” quote by Carl Gustav Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d05/carl-gustav-jung-18575_desire_the-decisive-question-for-man-is-is-he-r_2879303.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d05/carl-gustav-jung-18575_desire_the-decisive-question-for-man-is-is-he-r_2879303.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d05/carl-gustav-jung-18575_desire_the-decisive-question-for-man-is-is-he-r_2879303.jpg) > ““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.”” [Carl Gustav Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-gustav-jung/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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