Able Quote by Fernando Pessoa
“Once we're able to see this world as an illusion and a phantasm, then we can see everything that happens to us as a dream, as something that pretended to exist while we were sleeping. And we will become subtly and profoundly indifferent towards all of life's setbacks and calamities. Those who die turned a corner, which is why we've stopped seeing them; those who suffer pass before us like a nightmare, if we feel, or like an unpleasant daydream, if we think. And even our own suffering won't be more than this nothingness.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Book of the Disquiet (The Book of Disquiet), 1913-1935
Seeing life as illusion and dream leads to deep indifference toward setbacks and suffering.
In simple terms: Life as dream reduces attachment to pain.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate detachment from outcomes.
Themes
detachment
philosophy
existentialism
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- grief
- failure
- daily stress
- personal loss
Key Concepts
illusion
emptiness
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing pain as a dream affect your response?
- Can detachment coexist with compassion?
A Different Perspective
Indifference may hinder empathy and motivation to improve.
