Body Quote by Rene Dubos
“It is often by a trivial, even an anecdotal decision, that we direct our activities into a certain channel, and thus determine which of the potential expressions of our individuality become manifest. Usually we know nothing of the ultimate orientation or of the outlet toward which we travel, and the stream sweeps us to a formula of life from which there is no returning. Every decision is like a murder, and our march forward is over the stillborn bodies of all our possible selves that will never be.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Limits of Growth, 1972
Every choice directs our life path, eliminating other possibilities, making each decision irreversible.
In simple terms: Choices shape our lives and close other options.
Key Takeaway
Choose consciously, knowing each decision narrows future paths.
Themes
choice
identity
determinism
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- relationship decisions
- creative projects
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
existentialism
path dependence
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden possibilities might you be overlooking?
- How do you cope with the weight of irreversible decisions?
A Different Perspective
Not all outcomes are predictable; some choices may be revisited later.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
