--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I used to think consciousness itself was…" description: "\"I used to think consciousness itself was a virtue, so I tried to keep it all in my head at the same time: past, future, etc.\" — Diane Arbus" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e77/diane-arbus-8503_consciousness_i-used-to-think-consciousness-itself-was_1794431.jpg" --- # I used to think consciousness itself was a virtue, so I… ![“I used to think consciousness itself was a virtue, so I tried to keep it all in my head at the same time: past, future, etc.” quote by Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e77/diane-arbus-8503_consciousness_i-used-to-think-consciousness-itself-was_1794431.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e77/diane-arbus-8503_consciousness_i-used-to-think-consciousness-itself-was_1794431.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e77/diane-arbus-8503_consciousness_i-used-to-think-consciousness-itself-was_1794431.jpg) > “I used to think consciousness itself was a virtue, so I tried to keep it all in my head at the same time: past, future, etc.” [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Attempting to hold all thoughts simultaneously overwhelms the mind, limiting true insight. **In simple terms:** Trying to juggle everything hinders clarity. Key Takeaway Simplify focus to gain deeper understanding. Themes consciousness clarity focus Mood introspective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - meditation - creative writing - decision making Key Concepts mindfulness overload mental discipline Questions to Reflect On - What thoughts can you release to gain clarity? - How does focusing on one moment change your experience? A Different Perspective Constant multitasking can reduce depth of perception and increase stress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consciousness/) [Future](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/future/) [Past](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/past/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [Our whole past experience is continually in our consciousness, though most of it sunk to a great depth of dimness. 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That mindset is kind of gone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yair-rodriguez/i-used-to-think-differently-before-it-was-oh-i-have-to-get-the-title/) [Yair Rodriguez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yair-rodriguez/) ## More by Diane Arbus > [I mean, it's very subtle and a little embarrassing to me, but I really believe there are things which nobody would see unless I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/i-mean-it-s-very-subtle-and-a-little-embarrassing-to-me-but-i-really/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [...I would never choose a subject for what it means to me. 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The hand is the cutting edge of the mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/the-world-can-only-be-grasped-by-action-not-by-contemplation-the-hand/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [ \[Our self-image is\] that gap between intention and effect ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/our-self-image-is-that-gap-between-intention-and-effect/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [They are the proof of something was there and no longer is. Like a stain. And the stillness of them is boggling. You can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/they-are-the-proof-of-something-was-there-and-no-longer-is-like-a/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [Everybody has that thing where they need to look one way but they come out looking another way and that's what people observe. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/everybody-has-that-thing-where-they-need-to-look-one-way-but-they/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [It's always seemed to me that photography tends to deal with facts whereas film tends to deal with fiction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/it-s-always-seemed-to-me-that-photography-tends-to-deal-with-facts/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-arbus/my-favourite-thing-is-to-go-where-i-ve-never-been/) [Diane Arbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-arbus/) > [I want to photograph the considerable ceremonies of our present. 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