Altruism Quote by Matthieu Ricard
“By breaking down our sense of self-importance, all we lose is a parasite that has long infected our minds. What we gain in return is freedom, openness of mind, spontaneity, simplicity, altruism: all qualities inherent in happiness.”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Interview on Compassion and Happiness, 2015
Letting go of ego reduces mental parasites, freeing the mind to experience happiness through simplicity and altruism.
In simple terms: Dropping ego brings freedom and joy.
Key Takeaway
Practice humility to foster openness.
Themes
ego
freedom
happiness
altruism
simplicity
Mood
calm
hopeful
Type
spiritual
motivational
When to use this quote
- Meditation practice
- conflict resolution
- volunteering
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
Buddhism
psychology
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of self-importance hinder you?
- How can humility improve relationships?
A Different Perspective
Ego can be protective in dangerous contexts.
![“A lawyer’s either a social engineer or … a parasite on society … A social engineer [is] a highly skilled, perceptive, sensitive lawyer who [understands] the Constitution of the United States and [knows] how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering…” quote by Charles Hamilton Houston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13e/charles-hamilton-houston-36638_african-american_a-lawyer-s-either-a-social-engineer-or-a_166045.jpg)
![“When you see those in healthcare who don't get this burn-out, they are very motherly, fatherly, or loving and attentive with the patients. [These] wonderful caretakers, doctors, and nurses don't get as much burn-out as people who are more defensive of the feelings and suffering of others.” quote by Matthieu Ricard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aaa/matthieu-ricard-4004_burn-out_when-you-see-those-in-healthcare-who-don_221267.jpg)
