---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If I had learned how to get along in the…"
description: "\"If I had learned how to get along in the quotidian world while keeping up the search for the hidden realm, I might have gotten more out of life. But I ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ff/jim-woodring-15923_elitist_if-i-had-learned-how-to-get-along-in-the_659.png"
---

#  If I had learned how to get along in the quotidian world…

![“If I had learned how to get along in the quotidian world while keeping up the search for the hidden realm, I might have gotten more out of life. But I believed I was doing hugely important work. I was elitist about it.” quote by Jim Woodring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ff/jim-woodring-15923_elitist_if-i-had-learned-how-to-get-along-in-the_659.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ff/jim-woodring-15923_elitist_if-i-had-learned-how-to-get-along-in-the_659.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ff/jim-woodring-15923_elitist_if-i-had-learned-how-to-get-along-in-the_659.png)

> “If I had learned how to get along in the quotidian world while keeping up the search for the hidden realm, I might have gotten more out of life. But I believed I was doing hugely important work. I was elitist about it.”

[Jim Woodring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-woodring/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A tension between mundane responsibilities and the pursuit of esoteric knowledge, leading to self‑critique for neglecting everyday life.

**In simple terms:** Balancing daily life with hidden pursuits

Key Takeaway

Beware of elitist self‑justification

Themes

balance elitism spiritual quest regret self‑awareness

Mood

nostalgic reflective critical

Type

philosophical self‑critical

When to use this quote

- creative projects
- academic research
- spiritual practice

Key Concepts

quotidian vs. hidden realm self‑delusion prioritization

Practical Applications

- integrating mindfulness into routine
- setting realistic goals

Questions to Reflect On

- What would a more integrated life look like for you?
- How can you honor both the ordinary and the extraordinary?

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[Elitist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elitist/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Important](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/important/) [Important work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/important-work/) [Learned Quotidian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learned-quotidian-239232/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Might](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/might/) [Quotidian World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quotidian-world-239233/) [Realms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/realms/) [Work Elitist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-elitist-239231/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/)

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> [In a gallery, there's an expectation of high prices and a somewhat elitist atmosphere.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-cotton/in-a-gallery-there-s-an-expectation-of-high-prices-and-a-somewhat/)

[Will Cotton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-cotton/)

> [After so many years now, it's just suspected by most people that there simply is no way to change the direction Washington's going or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/after-so-many-years-now-it-s-just-suspected-by-most-people-that-there/)

[Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/)

> [When government does, occasionally, work, it works in an elitist fashion. That is, government is most easily manipulated by people who have money and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-j-o-rourke/when-government-does-occasionally-work-it-works-in-an-elitist-fashion/)

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> [“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-asimov/anti-intellectualism-has-been-a-constant-thread-winding-its-way/)

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[H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-l-mencken-2/)

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[Torbjorn Tannsjo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/torbjorn-tannsjo/)

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[Shepard Fairey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shepard-fairey/)

> [Kids that are allegedly better students are in an elitist class in first and second grade and then they go to their high schools,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-orfalea/kids-that-are-allegedly-better-students-are-in-an-elitist-class-in/)

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## More by Jim Woodring

> [Leslie Stein's comics give readers privileged access to a complete and wholly original world of gently skewed wonders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-woodring/leslie-stein-s-comics-give-readers-privileged-access-to-a-complete/)

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> [Art is not an elitist gift for a few select people. Art is for everyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-attenborough/art-is-not-an-elitist-gift-for-a-few-select-people-art-is-for-everyone/)

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