---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The worst feature of this double…"
description: "\"The worst feature of this double consciousness is, that the two lives, of the understanding and of the soul, which we lead, reallyshow very little rela..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/086/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_buzz_the-worst-feature-of-this-double-conscio_1302316.jpg"
---

#  The worst feature of this double consciousness is, that…

![“The worst feature of this double consciousness is, that the two lives, of the understanding and of the soul, which we lead, reallyshow very little relation to each other; never meet and measure each other: one prevails now, all buzz and din; and the other prevails then, all infinitude and…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/086/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_buzz_the-worst-feature-of-this-double-conscio_1302316.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/086/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_buzz_the-worst-feature-of-this-double-conscio_1302316.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/086/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_buzz_the-worst-feature-of-this-double-conscio_1302316.jpg)

> “The worst feature of this double consciousness is, that the two lives, of the understanding and of the soul, which we lead, reallyshow very little relation to each other; never meet and measure each other: one prevails now, all buzz and din; and the other prevails then, all infinitude and paradise; and, with the progress of life, the two discover no greater disposition to reconcile themselves.”

[Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The mind and spirit live separate lives, rarely intersecting, leaving a gap between rational activity and deeper purpose.

**In simple terms:** Mind and soul are disconnected.

Key Takeaway

Seek harmony between thought and feeling.

Themes

dualism self spirituality conflict

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- personal growth
- spiritual practice
- psychological integration

Key Concepts

consciousness identity reconciliation

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you bridge the gap between your daily actions and inner values?
- What practices help align mind and spirit?

A Different Perspective

Balancing intellect and soul is difficult and may require intentional reflection.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consciousness/) [Double Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/double-consciousness/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Paradise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/paradise/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Two lives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two-lives/) [Understanding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/understanding/)

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