Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
Sri AurobindoRead
She saw too that man has the power of exceeding himself, of becoming himself more entirely and profoundly than he is, - truths which have only recently begun to be seen in Europe and seem even now too great for its common intelligence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes humanity's potential for self-improvement and self-discovery.
Sri Aurobindo highlights the extraordinary capability within every individual to transcend their current state and fully realize their true self. This understanding of human potential is a relatively recent awakening in Europe, suggesting that society may not yet fully grasp the depth of this truth, pointing to an evolving awareness of personal and collective growth.
Themes
Self-ImprovementPotentialHumanityGrowthTranscendence
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire people to embrace their potential, one might use this quote.
More from Sri Aurobindo
All quotes →To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.
Sri AurobindoRead
Indian religion has always felt that since the minds, the temperaments and the intellectual affinities of men are unlimited in their variety, a perfect liberty of thought and of worship must be allowed to the individual in his approach to the Infinite.
Sri AurobindoRead
Be conscious first of thyself within, then think and act. All living thought is a world in preparation; all real act is a thought manifested. The material world exists because an idea began to play in divine self–consciousness.
Sri AurobindoRead
Evolution is not finished; reason is not the last word nor the reasoning animal the supreme figure of Nature. As man emerged out of the animal, so out of man the superman emerges.
Sri AurobindoRead
Impossibility is only a sum of greater unrealised possibles. It veils an advanced stage and a yet unaccomplished journey.
Sri AurobindoRead
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