Desire Quote by Maurice Maeterlinck
““Look upon men and things with the inner eye, with its form and desire, never forgetting that the shadow they throw as they pass by, upon hillock or wall, is but the fleeting image of a mightier shadow, which, like the wing of an imperishable swan, floats over every soul that draws near to their soul. Do not believe that thoughts such as these can be mere ornaments, and without influence upon the lives of those who admit them. It is far more important that one’s life should be perceived than that it should be transformed; for no sooner has it been perceived, than it transforms itself of its own accord.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Blue Bird, 1908
Perception shapes reality; thoughts and inner visions influence the world and transform themselves.
In simple terms: Our inner view changes what we experience.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate mindful perception.
Themes
perception
inner life
transformation
Mood
contemplative
poetic
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- psychotherapy
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
subjectivity
mind‑body connection
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner images guide your actions?
- How does perception alter reality?
A Different Perspective
Inner focus can lead to escapism.
![“Life is [perceived as] a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is…” quote by Rick Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95e/rick-warren-230_character_life-is-perceived-as-a-series-of-problem_2336259.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
