How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
Once we are self-aware, we must choose purposes and principles to live by; otherwise the vacuum will be filled, and we will lose our self-awareness and become like groveling animals who live primarily for survival and propagation. People who exist on that level aren't living; they are "being lived".
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-awareness leads to conscious choices about how to live, rather than merely existing.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in guiding our lives. It suggests that without a conscious selection of values and goals, individuals risk falling into a primitive state, driven merely by survival instincts. Covey warns against a passive existence, encouraging people to actively shape their lives with intention and principles.
Themes
Self-AwarenessChoicesPrinciplesExistenceSurvival
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
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