Quote of the Day

If “self-realization” today is associated with life-long narrow ego gratification, isn’t it inaccurate to use this term for self-realization in the widely different sense of Gandhi or less religiously loaded, as a term for the widening and deepening of the self so it embraces all life forms? Perhaps it is. But I think the very popularity of the term makes people listen for a moment and feel safe. In that moment the notion of a greater Self can be introduced, contending that if people equate self-realization with narrow ego fulfillment, they seriously underestimate themselves. We are much greater, deeper, more generous and capable of dignity and joy than we think! A wealth of non-competitive joys is open to us!

Arne Naess (Norwegian philosopher and ecologist, born on this day, 1912)

Tags: arne naess, competition, dignity, ego, embrace, feel, fulfillment, gandhi, generous, gratification, joy, Life, listen, moment, popularity, safe, self, self-realization | Category: Quotes |