--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I am dead because I lack desire, I lack…" description: "\"“I am dead because I lack desire, I lack desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do not try to give, In trying to give, you see t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg" --- # I am dead because I lack desire, I lack desire because I… ![“I am dead because I lack desire, I lack desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do not try to give, In trying to give, you see that you have nothing, Seeing that you have nothing, you try to give of yourself, Trying to give of yourself, you see that you are nothing, Seeing…” quote by Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg) > ““I am dead because I lack desire, I lack desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do not try to give, In trying to give, you see that you have nothing, Seeing that you have nothing, you try to give of yourself, Trying to give of yourself, you see that you are nothing, Seeing that you are nothing, you desire to become, In desiring to become, you begin to live.”” [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Desire arises from recognizing the emptiness of self‑centered possession; by giving, we confront our nothingness, which sparks the wish to become and thus to live. **In simple terms:** Giving reveals emptiness, which creates desire to become, leading to life. Key Takeaway Self‑transcendence begins with self‑emptying generosity. Themes self‑knowledge desire generosity existentialism growth Mood contemplative hopeful Type philosophical spiritual When to use this quote - volunteering after feeling unfulfilled - career change after realizing materialism is hollow - spiritual practice of selfless service Key Concepts emptiness identity transformation Practical Applications - Practice intentional giving to uncover hidden motivations - Reflect on moments of emptiness to clarify purpose Questions to Reflect On - What does it mean to ‘become’ after recognizing nothingness? - Can giving ever be truly self‑less? A Different Perspective The model assumes desire is always positive; some desires can be destructive or misguided. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Rebirth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rebirth/) ## Related quotes > [Boredom is the inner conflict we suffer when we lose desire, when we lack a lacking.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-mckee/boredom-is-the-inner-conflict-we-suffer-when-we-lose-desire-when-we/) [Robert McKee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-mckee/) > [Most people fail, not because of lack of desire, but, because of lack of commitment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/most-people-fail-not-because-of-lack-of-desire-but-because-of-lack-of/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Desires to which we cling closely can easily prevent us from being what we ought to be and can be; and on the other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dietrich-bonhoeffer/desires-to-which-we-cling-closely-can-easily-prevent-us-from-being/) [Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dietrich-bonhoeffer/) > [A lack of desire is something I've never experienced. I'd have to be on my deathbed before I stopped wanting-- no, never mind, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-kleypas/a-lack-of-desire-is-something-i-ve-never-experienced-i-d-have-to-be/) [Lisa Kleypas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-kleypas/) > [True love is a lack of desire to check one's smartphone in another's presence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alain-de-botton/true-love-is-a-lack-of-desire-to-check-one-s-smartphone-in-another-s/) [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) > [Lack of desire is the greatest riches.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seneca-the-younger/lack-of-desire-is-the-greatest-riches/) [Seneca the Younger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seneca-the-younger/) > [But my lack of desire for fame is what ends up making the best products.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miles-robbins/but-my-lack-of-desire-for-fame-is-what-ends-up-making-the-best/) [Miles Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miles-robbins/) > [For a French person, lack of desire in someone is really seen as a defect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-yalom/for-a-french-person-lack-of-desire-in-someone-is-really-seen-as-a/) [Marilyn Yalom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilyn-yalom/) > [“There is still, I think, not enough recognition by teachers of the fact that the desire to think--which is fundamentally a moral problem--must be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vera-brittain/there-is-still-i-think-not-enough-recognition-by-teachers-of-the-fact/) [Vera Brittain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vera-brittain/) > [Men know almost nothing about desire, they think it has to do with sexual activity or can be discharged that way. But sex is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-carson/men-know-almost-nothing-about-desire-they-think-it-has-to-do-with/) [Anne Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-carson/) > [“I am dead because I have no desire, I have no desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-have-no-desire-i-have-no-desire-because-i-think-i-2/) [René Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [If she could find a man who could feel and laugh as well as desire, she might even think about thinking about marriage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melanie-rawn/if-she-could-find-a-man-who-could-feel-and-laugh-as-well-as-desire/) [Melanie Rawn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melanie-rawn/) > [It has frequently been said that we never desire what we think absolutely inapprehensible: it is however true that some of our sharpest agonies…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-s-eliot/it-has-frequently-been-said-that-we-never-desire-what-we-think/) [T. S. Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-s-eliot/) > [Strength is not nearly as important as desire. I don't think you can teach anyone desire. I think it's a gift. I don't know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larry-bird/strength-is-not-nearly-as-important-as-desire-i-don-t-think-you-can/) [Larry Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/larry-bird/) > [“And if beauty is terror,” said Julian, “then what is desire? We think we have many desires, but in fact we have only one.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-if-beauty-is-terror-said-julian-then-what-is-desire-we-think-we/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Rene Daumal > [“Now, in my readings and in my travels I have heard, like you, about men of a superior type, possessing the keys to all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/now-in-my-readings-and-in-my-travels-i-have-heard-like-you-about-men/) [René Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [The door to the invisible must be visible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/the-door-to-the-invisible-must-be-visible/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [In the mythic tradition, the Mountain is the bond between Earth and Sky. Its solitary summit reaches the sphere of eternity, and its base…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/in-the-mythic-tradition-the-mountain-is-the-bond-between-earth-and/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [I am dead because I have no desire, I have no desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-have-no-desire-i-have-no-desire-because-i-think-i/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [Each time dawn appears, the mystery is there in its entirety.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/each-time-dawn-appears-the-mystery-is-there-in-its-entirety/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [Definition: Alpinism is the art of going through the mountains confronting the greatest dangers with the biggest of cares. What we call art here,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/definition-alpinism-is-the-art-of-going-through-the-mountains/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [“I'm very much aware I can't think. I'm a poet.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-m-very-much-aware-i-can-t-think-i-m-a-poet/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [Words are made for a certain exactness of thought, as tears are for a certain degree of pain. What is least distinct cannot be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/words-are-made-for-a-certain-exactness-of-thought-as-tears-are-for-a/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [When feet doesn't want to hold you, you climb with your head. Maybe it isn't the natural order of things, but isn't it better…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/when-feet-doesn-t-want-to-hold-you-you-climb-with-your-head-maybe-it/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/you-cannot-stay-on-the-summit-forever-you-have-to-come-down-again-so/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [Philosophy teaches how man thinks he thinks; but drinking shows how he really thinks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/philosophy-teaches-how-man-thinks-he-thinks-but-drinking-shows-how-he/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [“I am dead because I have no desire, I have no desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-have-no-desire-i-have-no-desire-because-i-think-i-2/) [René Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [“Eternity He who binds himself to a joy Does the winged life destroy But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/eternity-he-who-binds-himself-to-a-joy-does-the-winged-life-destroy/) [René Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [“Most of you,' he went on, 'already know how I have been able to limit the area of investigation in a first approximation. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/most-of-you-he-went-on-already-know-how-i-have-been-able-to-limit-the/) [René Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) > [“This place has only three exits, sir: Madness, and Death.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/this-place-has-only-three-exits-sir-madness-and-death/) [Rene Daumal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) [Explore all 26 Rene Daumal quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/) ## More Desire quotes > [I put myself in the student's place and remember the frustrations, doubts, determination, and desires I felt when I was going through the initial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-martinez/i-put-myself-in-the-student-s-place-and-remember-the-frustrations/) Ted Martinez > [Passion is what you need to be good, an unforgiving passion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-easton/passion-is-what-you-need-to-be-good-an-unforgiving-passion/) [David Easton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-easton/) > [I want the municipality to be a helping hand to the man with a desire of sympathy, to help the fallen when it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-burns/i-want-the-municipality-to-be-a-helping-hand-to-the-man-with-a-desire/) [John Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-burns/) > [Ye youths and virgins, when your generous blood Has drunk the warmth of fifteen summers, now The loves invite; now to new rapture wakes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-armstrong/ye-youths-and-virgins-when-your-generous-blood-has-drunk-the-warmth/) [John Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-armstrong/) > [I have observed this in my experience of slavery, - that whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-douglass/i-have-observed-this-in-my-experience-of-slavery-that-whenever-my/) [Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-douglass/) > [“THE ESSENCE OF YOUR DESIRE IS A FEELING”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/danielle-laporte/the-essence-of-your-desire-is-a-feeling/) [Danielle LaPorte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/danielle-laporte/) > [On the brink of being satiated, desire still appears infinite.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-rostand/on-the-brink-of-being-satiated-desire-still-appears-infinite/) [Jean Rostand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-rostand/) > [If there is any period one would desire to be born in, is it not the age of Revolution; when the old and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/if-there-is-any-period-one-would-desire-to-be-born-in-is-it-not-the/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [He caught her, she fell, he caught her in his arms, he held her tightly unconscious of what he was doing. He held her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victor-hugo/he-caught-her-she-fell-he-caught-her-in-his-arms-he-held-her-tightly/) [Victor Hugo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victor-hugo/) > [ Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three \[great teachers\] did not… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-the-arts-since-the-medium-is/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [“The deepest urge in human nature is the desire to be important.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dewey/the-deepest-urge-in-human-nature-is-the-desire-to-be-important/) [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) > [In discovering books, you became free to explore the full range of human motives, desires, secrets, and lies. All my life, people have scolded…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betsy-lerner/in-discovering-books-you-became-free-to-explore-the-full-range-of/) [Betsy Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betsy-lerner/) > [I have never been in, nor have I had any strong particular desire to be in, what is termed a costume drama, but I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-freeman/i-have-never-been-in-nor-have-i-had-any-strong-particular-desire-to/) [Martin Freeman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-freeman/) > [Now I am in the place I call this wide wide Heaven because it includes all my simplest desires but also the most humble…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-sebold/now-i-am-in-the-place-i-call-this-wide-wide-heaven-because-it/) [Alice Sebold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-sebold/) > [“from THE DEVIL YOU KNOW : She wanted him too. He could see it in the rapid rise of her breasts. He could smell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emery-lee/from-the-devil-you-know-she-wanted-him-too-he-could-see-it-in-the/) [Emery Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emery-lee/) [Browse all 15,155 Desire quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“I am dead because I lack desire, I lack desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do not try to give, In trying to give, you see that you have nothing, Seeing that you have nothing, you try to give of yourself, Trying to give of yourself, you see that you are nothing, Seeing that you are nothing, you desire to become, In desiring to become, you begin to live.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Rene Daumal" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-desire-because-i-think-i/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Desire" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-desire-because-i-think-i/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3ea/ren-daumal-22451_desire_i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-d_90690.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I am dead because I lack desire, I lack desire because I think I possess, I think I possess because I do not…” — Rene Daumal", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Rene Daumal", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-daumal/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“I am dead because I lack...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-desire-because-i-think-i/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ren-daumal/i-am-dead-because-i-lack-desire-i-lack-desire-because-i-think-i/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```