Pain Quote by Noah Levine
““Everything is impermanent—every pleasure, every pain, every body. But the survival instincts crave permanence and control. The body wants pleasure to stay forever and pain to go away forever.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A New Way of Living, by Noah Levine, 2008
Life is fleeting; we desire lasting pleasure and avoidance of pain, yet impermanence is inevitable.
In simple terms: All things change; we want them to stay the same.
Key Takeaway
Accept change, let go of control.
Themes
impermanence
desire
control
survival instinct
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- mindfulness practice
- addiction recovery
- relationship therapy
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
psychology of attachment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does clinging to permanence affect your wellbeing?
- What practices help you embrace impermanence?
A Different Perspective
Our instinct for permanence can cause suffering when reality is transient.
