Close your eyes Quote by George Saunders
““The mind is a machine that is constantly asking: What would I prefer? Close your eyes, refuse to move, and watch what your mind does. What it does is become discontent with That Which Is. A desire arises, you satisfy that desire, and another arises in its place. This wanting and rewanting is an endless cycle for which, turns out, there is already a name: samsara. Samsara is at the heart of the vast human carnival: greed, neurosis, mad ambition, adultery, crimes of passion, the hacking to death of a terrified man on a hillside in the name of A More Pure And Thus Perfect Nation--and all of this takes place because we believe we will be made happy once our desires have been satisfied. I know this. But still I'm full of desire... --"Buddha Boy””
About This Quote
Desire creates endless dissatisfaction, a cycle called samsara, driving human suffering through endless wanting.
In simple terms: Desire leads to endless dissatisfaction and suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and temper desire to break the cycle.
Themes
desire
samsara
human suffering
greed
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- minimalist living
- ethical decision making
- counseling sessions
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
psychology
ethical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you notice when desire fuels discontent?
- What simple practices reduce endless wanting?
A Different Perspective
Complete cessation of desire may be unrealistic for most people.
