Interior Selves Quote by Norman Rush
““And the question was still there of whether their true interior selves—the subtle bodies inside—were still there and functioning despite what age and accident and force of circumstance may have done to hurt them. He meant something like that … that when they had become friends it had been a friendship established between subtle bodies, by which he meant the ingredients of what they were to be …””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Dispossessed by Norman Rush, 1995
The quote explores whether inner selves persist despite external hardships, suggesting deep connections are formed at a subtle, essential level.
In simple terms: Inner selves may survive hardships; deep bonds form at a subtle level.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture the core of yourself and relationships.
Themes
identity
resilience
connection
philosophy
psychology
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- long‑term friendships
- personal healing
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
subtle self
inner continuity
friendship
existential inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain your inner self during crises?
- What practices help you connect with others beyond surface interactions?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the role of external support in sustaining inner selves.
![“Despite our preparation, indeed, despite our age, [the death of a parent] dislodges things deep in us, sets off reactions that surprise us and may cut free memories and feelings that we thought had gone to ground long ago. We might, in that indeterminate period they call mourning, be in a…” quote by Joan Didion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f93/joan-didion-497_age_despite-our-preparation-indeed-despite-o_1987477.jpg)
