--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Like most humanoids, I am burdened with…" description: "\"“Like most humanoids, I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the \"monkey mind\"--the thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/elizabeth-gilbert-131_buddhism_like-most-humanoids-i-am-burdened-with-w_3127983.jpg" --- # Like most humanoids, I am burdened with what the Buddhists… ![“Like most humanoids, I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the "monkey mind"--the thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch themselves, spit and howl.” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/elizabeth-gilbert-131_buddhism_like-most-humanoids-i-am-burdened-with-w_3127983.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/elizabeth-gilbert-131_buddhism_like-most-humanoids-i-am-burdened-with-w_3127983.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/elizabeth-gilbert-131_buddhism_like-most-humanoids-i-am-burdened-with-w_3127983.jpg) > ““Like most humanoids, I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the "monkey mind"--the thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch themselves, spit and howl.”” [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The “monkey mind” describes restless thoughts that jump, causing mental agitation and distraction. **In simple terms:** Restless thoughts jump like a monkey. Key Takeaway Cultivate calm to quiet mental chatter. Themes mindfulness mental health focus Mood calm introspective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - meditation - writing - therapy - creative brainstorming Key Concepts monkey mind thought patterns Buddhist psychology Questions to Reflect On - How can you observe thoughts without reacting? - What practices help settle the mind? A Different Perspective May underestimate underlying emotional triggers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Buddhism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism/) [Monkey mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monkey-mind/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) ## Related quotes > [I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the 'monkey mind' -- the thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/i-am-burdened-with-what-the-buddhists-call-the-monkey-mind-the-2/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the monkey mind. 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