Alive Quote by Taisen Deshimaru
“Nobody today is normal, everybody is a little bit crazy or unbalanced, people's minds are running all the time. Their perceptions of the world are partial, incomplete. They are eaten alive by their egos. They think they see, but they are mistaken; all they do is project their madness, their world, upon the world. There is no clarity, no wisdom in that!”
About This Quote
Source Book: Zen and the Art of Living, Taisen Deshimaru, 1995
Human perception is fragmented and distorted by ego, leading to projection of personal madness onto reality.
In simple terms: Our minds are biased and ego‑driven, causing misperception.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ego’s filter and seek clarity.
Themes
ego
perception
reality
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- mental health
- conflict resolution
- creative collaboration
Key Concepts
Zen
psychology
ego theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ego shape your view of others?
- What practices help you see beyond personal bias?
A Different Perspective
Ego can be deeply ingrained, making objective self‑assessment difficult.
