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Believe Quote by Haruki Murakami

“To know one’s own state is not a simple matter. One cannot look directly at one’s own face with one’s own eyes, for example. One has no choice but to look at one’s reflection in the mirror. Through experience, we come to believe that the image is correct, but that is all.” quote by Haruki Murakami
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“To know one’s own state is not a simple matter. One cannot look directly at one’s own face with one’s own eyes, for example. One has no choice but to look at one’s reflection in the mirror. Through experience, we come to believe that the image is correct, but that is all.”

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

Source Book: Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Haruki Murakami, 1985

Self‑knowledge requires indirect observation; we cannot see ourselves directly, only through reflections shaped by experience.

In simple terms: Knowing yourself needs a mirror, not your own eyes.

Key Takeaway

Seek external perspectives to understand yourself.

Themes

self‑awareness perception reflection

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • therapy
  • leadership development
  • conflict resolution
  • null

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify the accuracy of your self‑image?
  • What mirrors do you trust for feedback?
A Different Perspective

Self‑assessment can be biased by limited viewpoints.

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