Skip to content

Assuming Quote by M. Scott Peck

“To be free people we must assume total responsibility for ourselves, but in doing so must possess the capacity to reject responsibility that is not truly ours. To be organized and efficient, to live wisely, we must daily delay gratification and keep an eye on the future; yet to live joyously we…” quote by M. Scott Peck
Download Open image
“To be free people we must assume total responsibility for ourselves, but in doing so must possess the capacity to reject responsibility that is not truly ours. To be organized and efficient, to live wisely, we must daily delay gratification and keep an eye on the future; yet to live joyously we must also possess the capacity, when it is not destructive, to live in the present and act spontaneously. In other words, discipline itself must be disciplined. The type of discipline required to discipline discipline is what I call balancing.”

M. Scott Peck

About This Quote

Balancing discipline, responsibility, and spontaneity requires self‑regulation and present‑moment awareness.

In simple terms: Discipline must be disciplined.

Key Takeaway

Balance structure with spontaneity.

Themes

discipline responsibility balance present‑moment future

Mood

thoughtful calm

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • personal finance
  • mindfulness practice
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

psychology self‑management

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you prioritize responsibilities?
  • When do you allow spontaneity?
A Different Perspective

Balancing may cause internal conflict.

2.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by M. Scott Peck

Explore all 198 M. Scott Peck quotes

More Assuming quotes

Browse all 2,452 Assuming quotes