Absolute Quote by George Saunders
“In the reason that the contrast between the absolute and the relative is so terrible is because we believe so fully in ourselves as permanent, continuous, and central. I feel insane saying this, but if one weren't so deluded about the permanent reality of the self, a lot of this pain would actually lessen.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Self and the Illusion of Permanence", 2021
Believing the self is permanent creates suffering; recognizing its impermanence eases pain.
In simple terms: Self‑belief in permanence causes pain; letting go helps.
Key Takeaway
Accept impermanence to reduce suffering.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- meditation
- creative writing
Key Concepts
self‑concept
ego
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be a permanent self?
- How can we balance self‑identity with impermanence?
A Different Perspective
The idea may oversimplify complex identity issues.
![“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)
