Aversion Quote by P.D. Ouspensky
“Man has no permanent and unchangeable I. Every thought, every mood, every desire, every sensation says "I." And in each case it seems to be taken for granted that this I belongs to the Whole, to the whole man, and that a thought, a desire, or an aversion is expressed by this Whole.”
About This Quote
Source Book: In Search of the Miraculous, 1949
The self is not a fixed entity but a collection of thoughts, moods, and sensations that feel like a singular “I.”
In simple terms: The “I” is a fluid collection of mental states, not a permanent self.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fluidity of self.
Themes
identity
consciousness
philosophy
Mood
introspective
spiritual
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- Meditation practice
- psychotherapy
- creative expression
- spiritual inquiry
Key Concepts
Phenomenology
self‑theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect responsibility?
- Can you experience a stable sense of self?
A Different Perspective
Some traditions argue for an enduring soul or self.
