Skip to content

Death Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert

“We’re miserable because we think that we are mere individuals, alone with our fears and flaws and resentments and mortality. We wrongly believe that our limited little egos constitute our whole entire nature. We have failed to recognize our deeper divine character. We don’t realize that, somewhere…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
Download Open image
““We’re miserable because we think that we are mere individuals, alone with our fears and flaws and resentments and mortality. We wrongly believe that our limited little egos constitute our whole entire nature. We have failed to recognize our deeper divine character. We don’t realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme Self who is eternally at peace. That supreme Self is our true identity, universal and divine. Before you realize this truth... you will always be in despair.””

Elizabeth Gilbert

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview, 2015, discussing spirituality and self‑identity

Our sense of isolation and despair stems from identifying with a limited ego rather than a deeper, universal self that is inherently peaceful.

In simple terms: We feel miserable when we see ourselves only as separate individuals with flaws.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the deeper divine nature within to find peace.

Themes

self‑identity spirituality despair ego divine nature

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • therapy sessions
  • spiritual retreats
  • daily mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

non‑dualism psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does seeing yourself as part of a larger whole change your daily choices?
  • What practices help you connect with a deeper sense of self?
A Different Perspective

The concept of a supreme Self may conflict with materialist views and can be hard to verify empirically.

2.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Elizabeth Gilbert

Explore all 1,156 Elizabeth Gilbert quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 38,174 Death quotes