Behinds Quote by Kosho Uchiyama
“Whatever way you put it, I am here only because my world is here. When I took my first breath, my world was born with me. When I die, my world dies with me. In other words, I wasn't born into a world that was already here before me, nor do I live simply as one individual among millions of other individuals, nor do I leave everything behind to live on after me. People live thinking of themselves as members of a group or society. However, this isn't really true. Actually, I bring my own world into existence, live it out, and take it with me when I die.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Existence, 2019
The writer claims each person creates and carries their own world, implying existence is personal rather than merely social.
In simple terms: Each person creates their own world.
Key Takeaway
Recognize personal agency.
Themes
existence
personal world
identity
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- journaling
- therapy
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
subjectivity
ontological self
life cycle
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal world affect community?
- Can we truly separate self from society?
A Different Perspective
May ignore communal interdependence.
