---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This, then, is what counts: a lightning…"
description: "\"This, then, is what counts: a lightning reaction which has no further need of conscious observation. In this respect at least the pupil makes himself i..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/685/eugen-herrigel-22516_conscious_this-then-is-what-counts-a-lightning-rea_1720031.jpg"
---

#  This, then, is what counts: a lightning reaction which has…

![“This, then, is what counts: a lightning reaction which has no further need of conscious observation. In this respect at least the pupil makes himself independent of all conscious purpose.” quote by Eugen Herrigel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/685/eugen-herrigel-22516_conscious_this-then-is-what-counts-a-lightning-rea_1720031.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/685/eugen-herrigel-22516_conscious_this-then-is-what-counts-a-lightning-rea_1720031.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/685/eugen-herrigel-22516_conscious_this-then-is-what-counts-a-lightning-rea_1720031.jpg)

> “This, then, is what counts: a lightning reaction which has no further need of conscious observation. In this respect at least the pupil makes himself independent of all conscious purpose.”

[Eugen Herrigel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eugen-herrigel/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True skill emerges spontaneously, without conscious effort, as the learner becomes free from deliberate intention.

**In simple terms:** Mastery happens when you act without overthinking.

Key Takeaway

Practice until actions become instinctive.

Themes

mindfulness skill acquisition autonomy consciousness

Mood

calm focused

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- sports training
- musical performance
- meditation
- creative work
- problem solving

Key Concepts

flow implicit learning self‑efficacy

Questions to Reflect On

- When does conscious effort hinder performance?
- How can you balance intuition with analysis?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on unconscious action may ignore the value of deliberate practice.

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[Conscious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conscious/) [Conscious Observation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conscious-observation-1327722/) [Counts Lightning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/counts-lightning-1327720/) [Independent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/independent/) [Independent Conscious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/independent-conscious-1327721/) [Lightning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lightning/) [Lightning Reaction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lightning-reaction-1327719/) [Needs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/) [Observation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/observation/) [Pupils](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pupils/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Reactions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reactions/) [Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/respect/)

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