The way to see what looks good and understand the reasons it looks good, and to be at one with this goodness as the work proceeds, is to cultivate an inner quietness, a peace of mind so that goodness can shine through.
Robert M. PirsigRead
Anxiety is sort of the opposite of ego. You're so sure you'll do everything wrong you're afraid to do anything at all. It results from over-motivation- leading to errors that lead to an underestimation of one's self. Work out your anxieties on paper and read. This calms the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anxiety can paralyze action due to self-doubt, but expressing thoughts can help alleviate this fear.
This quote by Robert M. Pirsig highlights the paradox of anxiety and ego, suggesting that excessive self-doubt can hinder a person's ability to act. Pirsig advises that by externalizing anxieties through writing and reflection, individuals can find clarity and calmness, allowing them to overcome their fears and recognize their potential.
Themes
AnxietyEgoSelf-DoubtMotivationWritingCalmness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a mental health seminar to encourage attendees to express their feelings.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes βWhen analytic thought, the knife, is applied to experience, something is always killed in the process.
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The Buddha resides as comfortably in the circuits of a digital computer or the gears of a cycle transmission as he does at the top of a mountain.
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It's better not to see than to see wrongly.
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The truth knocks on the door and you say, go away, I'm looking for the truth, and it goes away. Puzzling.
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You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It's easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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I write to discover what I think. After all, the bars aren't open that early.
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