The evolution of man is the evolution of his consciousness, and 'consciousness' cannot evolve unconsciously. The evolution of man is the evolution of his will, and 'will' cannot evolve involuntarily.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
Without self knowledge, without understanding the working and functions of his machine, man cannot be free, he cannot govern himself and he will always remain a slave.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-knowledge is essential for true freedom and personal governance.
The quote emphasizes the significance of self-knowledge and understanding oneβs own nature in order to achieve true freedom. Without a clear insight into oneself and how one's own mind and body function, a person cannot truly govern their actions or decisions, resulting in a form of enslavement to external influences and inner turmoil.
Themes
Self-KnowledgeFreedomUnderstandingGovernancePhilosophyPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech on personal development.
More from G. I. Gurdjieff
All quotes βConscious faith is freedom. Emotional faith is slavery. Mechanical faith is foolishness.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
Remember you come here having already understood the necessity of struggling with yourself β only with yourself. Therefore thank everyone who gives you the opportunity.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
It is the greatest mistake to think that man is always one and the same. A man is never the same for long. He is continually changing. He seldom remains the same even for half an hour.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
Laughter relieves us of superfluous energy, which, if it remained unused, might become negative, that is, poison. Laughter is the antidote.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
If a man could understand all the horror of the lives of ordinary people who are turning around in a circle of insignificant interests and insignificant aims, if he could understand what they are losing, he would understand that there can only be one thing that is serious for him - to escape from the general law, to be free. What can be serious for a man in prison who is condemned to death? Only one thing: How to save himself, how to escape: nothing else is serious.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
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