--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We must look deeply into the nature of…" description: "\"We must look deeply into the nature of our volition to see whether it is pushing us in the direction of liberation from suffering and toward peace and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/nhat-hanh-515_able_we-must-look-deeply-into-the-nature-of-o_592288.png" --- # We must look deeply into the nature of our volition to see… ![“We must look deeply into the nature of our volition to see whether it is pushing us in the direction of liberation from suffering and toward peace and compassion, or in the direction of affliction and misery. What is it that we really want deep in our heart? Is it money, fame, power? Or is it…” quote by Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/nhat-hanh-515_able_we-must-look-deeply-into-the-nature-of-o_592288.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/nhat-hanh-515_able_we-must-look-deeply-into-the-nature-of-o_592288.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/nhat-hanh-515_able_we-must-look-deeply-into-the-nature-of-o_592288.png) > “We must look deeply into the nature of our volition to see whether it is pushing us in the direction of liberation from suffering and toward peace and compassion, or in the direction of affliction and misery. What is it that we really want deep in our heart? Is it money, fame, power? Or is it finding inner peace, being able to live life fully and enjoy the present moment?” [Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nhat-hanh/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Examining our deepest motivations reveals whether they lead toward freedom and compassion or toward suffering and desire. **In simple terms:** Check what truly drives you. Key Takeaway Align actions with inner peace. Themes self‑awareness motivation compassion freedom Mood reflective calm Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career decisions - relationship choices - spiritual practice - stress management Key Concepts mindfulness inner desire psychology Questions to Reflect On - What core desire guides your daily choices? - How can you nurture compassion over ambition? A Different Perspective Motivation can be mixed; clarity may require sustained introspection. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Affliction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affliction/) [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Enjoy life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enjoy-life/) [Fame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fame/) [Follow your heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/follow-your-heart/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Inner peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inner-peace/) [Liberation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberation/) [Listen to your heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/listen-to-your-heart/) [Live life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/live-life/) [Live Life Fully](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/live-life-fully/) [Misery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/misery/) [Moments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments/) [Moments in time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments-in-time/) [Motivational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motivational/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Present moment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/present-moment/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) [Volition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/volition/) ## Related quotes > [Because of my mom's compassion, direction, and knowledge, she gives me that extra push to be the best person I can be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-lopez/because-of-my-mom-s-compassion-direction-and-knowledge-she-gives-me/) [Diana Lopez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-lopez/) > [The only answer to fear is more understanding. 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