Identity Quote by Emily Esfahani Smith
““I saw clearly that the idea of the self—of distinction, of me, of an inner and outer—is just an illusion,” he said, “something created by the mind. It was like wisps of smoke from a pipe. The idea evaporates as soon as you cease to create it.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The School of Life, 2018
The self is a mental construct that dissolves when we stop reinforcing it.
In simple terms: The self is an illusion created by thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Notice when you stop defining yourself.
Themes
self
illusion
mind
identity
awareness
Mood
contemplative
insightful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- therapy
- personal growth
- creative work
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does letting go of self‑identity affect your choices?
- What practices help you observe the self without attachment?
A Different Perspective
The illusion can persist unconsciously, influencing behavior.
![“In the worldly life, due to maadakta (intoxication of the ego of ‘I am Chandubhai’), one has completely lost awareness of everything about one’s self. Everything in the worldly life is nothing but intoxication. The food is intoxicating, the senses are intoxicating. [Therefore] Go to the one, who…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dada-bhagwan-31_absolute_in-the-worldly-life-due-to-maadakta-into_3662.jpg)
