Living consciously reflects the conviction that sight is preferable to blindness; that respecting the facts of reality is more satisfying than denying them; that evasion does not make the unreal real or the real unreal; that it is better to correct your mistakes that to pretend they do not exist; and that the more conscious you are of facts bearing on your life and goals, the more wisely and effectively you can act.
Interpretation
Living consciously means acknowledging reality and acting responsibly based on it.
This quote emphasizes the importance of awareness and acceptance of reality in our lives. Nathaniel Branden argues that being conscious and recognizing our mistakes allows us to act more wisely and effectively, rather than evading or denying the truth, which leads to misguided actions and choices. In essence, it advocates for a life grounded in reality and personal accountability.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to inspire attendees to face their realities.
Living consciously is seeking to be aware of everything that bears on our interests, actions, values, purposes, and goals. It is the willingness to confront facts, pleasant or unpleasant. It is the desire to discover our mistakes and correct them . . . it is the quest to keep expanding our awareness and understanding, both of the world external to self and the world within.
If you are an adult, you are responsible for your life and well-being. No one owes you the fulfillment of your needs or wants; no one is here on earth to serve you. If you respect the principle of self-ownership, you understand that no one else owns you and that you do not own anyone else. Only on this understanding can there be peace on earth and good will among human beings.
It is a mistake to look at someone who is self assertive and say, "It's easy for her, she has good self-esteem." One of the ways you build self-esteem is by being self-assertive when it is not easy to do so. There are always times when self-assertiven ess requires courage, no matter how high your self-esteem.
One of the hardest expressions of self-assertiveness is challenging your limiting beliefs.
How do we keep our inner fire alive? Two things, at minimum, are needed: an ability to appreciate the positives in our life – and a commitment to action. Every day, it's important to ask and answer these questions: ‘What's good in my life?’ and ‘What needs to be done?
To love is to see myself in you and to wish to celebrate myself with you. What I love is the embodiment of my values in another person. Love is an act of self-assertion, self-expression and a celebration of being alive.
No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness.
I'd rather spend half an hour in the company of a top carpenter, than three hours in the company of an average brain surgeon
When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I'm slipping.
People who confuse what they wish were true with what is really true create distorted pictures of reality that make it impossible for them to make the best choices.
We are even higher than the heavens, we are greater than angels; Why should we not transcend both? Our lodging-place is Majesty.
Brass shines as fair to the ignorant as gold to the goldsmiths.
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