The evolution of man is the evolution of his consciousness, and 'consciousness' cannot evolve unconsciously. The evolution of man is the evolution of his will, and 'will' cannot evolve involuntarily.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
Awakening is possible only for those who seek it and want it, for those who are ready to struggle with themselves and work on themselves for a very long time and very persistently in order to attain it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Awakening requires a deep desire and commitment to personal growth.
The quote by G. I. Gurdjieff emphasizes that true awakening and self-realization are not passive experiences; they require active seeking and a willingness to confront and work on one's inner self. It suggests that the journey of awakening is long and requires persistent effort, highlighting the importance of dedication and struggle in achieving a higher state of consciousness.
Themes
AwakeningSelf-GrowthStrugglePersistencePersonal Development
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development, one might say, 'Awakening is possible only for those who seek it and want it.'
More from G. I. Gurdjieff
All quotes βConscious faith is freedom. Emotional faith is slavery. Mechanical faith is foolishness.
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Remember you come here having already understood the necessity of struggling with yourself β only with yourself. Therefore thank everyone who gives you the opportunity.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
It is the greatest mistake to think that man is always one and the same. A man is never the same for long. He is continually changing. He seldom remains the same even for half an hour.
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Laughter relieves us of superfluous energy, which, if it remained unused, might become negative, that is, poison. Laughter is the antidote.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
If a man could understand all the horror of the lives of ordinary people who are turning around in a circle of insignificant interests and insignificant aims, if he could understand what they are losing, he would understand that there can only be one thing that is serious for him - to escape from the general law, to be free. What can be serious for a man in prison who is condemned to death? Only one thing: How to save himself, how to escape: nothing else is serious.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
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