It is not good for our efforts at self-realization to know the opinions other people have of us. It is difficult or perhaps impossible to be ourselves if we are known.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Knowing others' opinions hinders self-realization because being known makes it difficult to remain your true self.
- In plain terms
- It is hard to be yourself if you know what others think of you, so self-realization requires ignoring their views.
- What can you take from it?
- True self-realization may require ignorance of others' opinions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you be yourself while known?
- How do opinions affect identity?
Another view
Ignoring all external feedback can isolate individuals and hinder social growth.
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