Bring awareness to the many subtle sounds of nature - The rustling of leaves in the wind, Raindrops falling, The humming of an insect, The first birdsong at dawn.
Eckhart TolleRead
When people get taken over by the ego to such an extent, there is nothing else in their mind except the ego. They can no longer feel or sense their humanity - what they share with other human beings, or even with other life forms on the planet. They are so identified with concepts in their minds that other human beings become concepts as well.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ego can blind individuals to their humanity and connection with others.
In this quote, Eckhart Tolle reflects on the detrimental effects of an inflated ego, suggesting that when individuals become overly identified with their ego, they lose touch with their shared humanity and empathy for others. They begin to view themselves and those around them as mere concepts instead of recognizing the interconnectedness of life and the emotional bonds that tie individuals together, ultimately diminishing their ability to connect with others meaningfully.
Themes
EgoHumanityConnectionEmpathyIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth and self-awareness, one might say, 'As Eckhart Tolle suggests, when people become consumed by their ego, they lose their sense of humanity.'
More from Eckhart Tolle
All quotes →Body awareness not only anchors you in the present moment, it is a doorway out of the prison that is the ego. It also strengthens the immune system and the body’s ability to heal itself.
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Whenever you become anxious or stressed, outer purpose has taken over, and you lost sight of your inner purpose. You have forgotten that your state of consciousness is primary, all else secondary.
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Nothing that was real ever died, only names, forms, and illusions.
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Suffering has a noble purpose: the evolution of consciousness and the burning up of the ego.
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Sometimes surrender means giving up trying to understand and becoming comfortable with not knowing.
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