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The man whose whole activity is diverted to inner meditation becomes insensible to all his surroundings.
Emile Durkheim
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the isolating nature of deep meditation and introspection.

Emile Durkheim's quote reflects on the intense focus and absorption that can occur during inner meditation, suggesting that such a deep engagement with one's thoughts can lead to a disconnection from the external world. It implies that while meditation can be enriching and enlightening, it can also create a barrier to one's awareness of the immediate environment and social interactions.

Themes

MeditationIntrospectionAwarenessIsolationMindfulness

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the balance between meditation and social engagement.

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A society whose members are united by the fact that they think in the same way in regard to the sacred world and its relations with the profane world, and by the fact that they translate these common ideas into common practices, is what is called a Church. In all history, we do not find a single religion without a Church.
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