Learning Quote by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
“When we look at external things, we can usually distinguish those that are useful and valuable from those that are not. We must learn to look at our mind in the same way.”
About This Quote
Source Teaching: The New Heart of Buddhism, 1995
Just as we evaluate external objects for usefulness, we should assess our thoughts with the same critical eye.
In simple terms: Judge thoughts like objects—keep useful, discard harmful.
Key Takeaway
Practice mental discernment to improve wellbeing.
Themes
mindfulness
valuation
wisdom
Mood
calm
focused
Type
spiritual
practical
When to use this quote
- meditation
- therapy
- decision making
- stress reduction
Key Concepts
cognitive appraisal
Buddhist psychology
mental hygiene
Questions to Reflect On
- Which thoughts serve you?
- How can you let go of unhelpful mental patterns?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can lead to paralysis.
![“[Man] is the only animal who lives outside of himself, whose drive is in external things—property, houses, money, concepts of power. He lives in his cities and his factories, in his business and job and art. But having projected himself into these external complexities, he is them. His house, his…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/50c/john-steinbeck-71_animal_man-is-the-only-animal-who-lives-outside_906371.jpg)
