Happiness Quote by George MacDonald
““GGibbie never thought about himself, therefore was there wide room for the entrance of the spirit. Does the questioning thought arise to any reader: How could a man be conscious of bliss without the thought of himself? I answer the doubt: When a man turns to look at himself, that moment the glow of the loftiest bliss begins to fade; the pulsing fire-flies throb paler in the passionate night; an unseen vapour steams up from the marsh and dims the star-crowded sky and the azure sea; and the next moment the very bliss itself looks as if it had never been more than a phosphorescent gleam -- the summer lightning of the brain. For then the man sees himself but in his own dim mirror, whereas ere he turned to look in that, he knew himself in the absolute clarity of God's present thought out-bodying him.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Phantastes” by George MacDonald, 1858
Self‑awareness can diminish pure bliss; true joy arises when one transcends ego and aligns with divine consciousness.
In simple terms: Seeing yourself reduces spiritual joy; letting go of ego restores it.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility to experience deeper bliss.
Themes
spirituality
ego
bliss
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- prayer
- artistic creation
- introspective writing
Key Concepts
philosophy
theology
consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “bliss” mean to you beyond self?
- How can you quiet the self‑talk to feel more connected?
A Different Perspective
Bliss may be fleeting without practice of self‑transcendence.
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![“I wish I had [made that song]. No, I don't That would be to take it from somebody else. But it's mine for all that.' 'What makes it yours?' 'I love it so.' 'Does loving a thing make it yours?' 'I think so, Mother -- at least more than anything else can. . . . Love makes the only myness,' said…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/722/george-macdonald-295_love_i-wish-i-had-made-that-song-no-i-don-t-t_35103.jpg)
