Habits Quote by Osho
““With awareness I used the word response; with unawareness I used the word reaction. Response comes from yourself. Reaction is created by the other man: he has hit you. He is the master of the situation, and you are simply a puppet. You are reacting. His action is decisive, and because he has done something, now you are doing something in reaction. This is the unconscious man’s behavior. That’s why the unconscious man’s behavior can be manipulated very easily. You smile, he will smile. You be angry, he will be angry. It is because of this that people like Dale Carnegie can write books like How to Win Friends and Influence People. All that you have to know is simple reactions.””
About This Quote
Source Talk: The Art of Living, 1992
Awareness distinguishes thoughtful response from reactive behavior driven by others; reactions are easily manipulated
In simple terms: Awareness leads to response, not reaction
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑awareness to choose actions
Themes
psychology
mindfulness
behavior
manipulation
Mood
contemplative
instructive
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- team management
- personal development
- teaching
Key Concepts
self‑control
communication
leadership
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your automatic reactions?
- How can you practice mindful response?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep habits requires sustained effort
