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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the urgency of seeking true freedom and meaning in life, especially for those trapped in mundane existence.
G. I. Gurdjieff's quote reflects on the plight of ordinary people who are consumed by trivial pursuits and the societal norms that bind them. He suggests that if one were to fully comprehend the horror of such a life, the only serious pursuit would be the quest for freedom and the escape from societal constraints. In essence, it calls for a profound awakening to the significance of individual existence beyond superficial engagements.
Themes
FreedomExistenceMeaningSocietyEscape
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about breaking free from societal norms and pursuing personal dreams.
More from G. I. Gurdjieff
All quotes →Conscious faith is freedom. Emotional faith is slavery. Mechanical faith is foolishness.
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Remember you come here having already understood the necessity of struggling with yourself — only with yourself. Therefore thank everyone who gives you the opportunity.
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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.
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In order to understand the interrelation of truth and falsehood in life, a man must understand falsehood in himself, the constant incessant lies he tells himself.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
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