Another man Quote by Fernando Pessoa
“One or another man, liberated or cursed, suddenly sees-but even this man sees rarely-that all we are is what we aren't, that we fool ourselves about what's true and are wrong about what we conclude is right. And this man, who in a flash sees the universe naked, creates a philosophy or dreams up a religion; and the philosophy spreads and the religion propagates, and those who believe in the philosophy begin to wear it as a suit they don't see, and those who believe in the religion put it on as a mask they soon forget.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Book of Disquiet" by Fernando Pessoa, 1913
Human perception is limited; we create philosophies and religions as masks that hide truth, leading to self‑deception.
In simple terms: We hide behind ideas and beliefs, missing reality.
Key Takeaway
Question the masks you wear.
Themes
philosophy
religion
self‑deception
Mood
introspective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual seeking
- academic study
Key Concepts
identity
truth
illusion
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs act as masks for you?
- How can you see beyond societal narratives?
A Different Perspective
Masks can provide comfort but also prevent authentic understanding.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
