QuoteProject
Be conscious first of thyself within, then think and act. All living thought is a world in preparation; all real act is a thought manifested. The material world exists because an idea began to play in divine self–consciousness.
Sri Aurobindo
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Self-awareness precedes action, as thoughts and ideas shape our reality.

Sri Aurobindo emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection before taking any action. He suggests that our thoughts are the precursors to our actions, and that the material world stems from the divine ideas within our consciousness, highlighting the profound connection between thought and reality.

Themes

Self-AwarenessThoughtActionConsciousnessReality

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational workshop to encourage personal growth.

More from Sri Aurobindo

Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
Sri AurobindoRead
To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.
Sri AurobindoRead
Indian religion has always felt that since the minds, the temperaments and the intellectual affinities of men are unlimited in their variety, a perfect liberty of thought and of worship must be allowed to the individual in his approach to the Infinite.
Sri AurobindoRead
Evolution is not finished; reason is not the last word nor the reasoning animal the supreme figure of Nature. As man emerged out of the animal, so out of man the superman emerges.
Sri AurobindoRead
Impossibility is only a sum of greater unrealised possibles. It veils an advanced stage and a yet unaccomplished journey.
Sri AurobindoRead
If it be true that spirit is involved in Matter and apparent Nature is secret God, then the manifestation in the divine in himself and the realization of God within and without are the highest and most legitimate aim possible to man on earth.
Sri AurobindoRead

Similar quotes

The modern habit of doing ceremonial things unceremoniously is no proof of humility; rather it proves the offender's inability to forget himself in the rite, and his readiness to spoil for every one else the proper pleasure of ritual.
C. S. LewisRead
I have no argument with those who see in organized religion a template or an imperative to live life according to a prescribed set of beliefs. Just give others the room, within the laws of civil society, to believe or not believe whatever they like.
Michael J. FoxRead
All beings are by nature are Buddhas, as ice by nature is water. Apart from water there is no ice; apart from beings, no Buddhas.
Hakuin EkakuRead
I am a strong individualist by personal habit, inheritance, and conviction; but it is a mere matter of common sense to recognize that the State, the community, the citizens acting together, can do a number of things better than if they were left to individual action.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Old age is like climbing a mountain. You climb from ledge to ledge. The higher you get, the more tired and breathless you become, but your views become more extensive.
Ingmar BergmanRead
It was then that she realized that the yellow butterflies preceded the appearances of Mauricio Babilonia.
Gabriel Garcia MarquezRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.