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About this quote

What does it mean?
Unlike a perfect being, humans constantly strive to be something other than their current reality.
In plain terms
God accepts himself, but humans always try to be someone else.
What can you take from it?
Self-acceptance is rare in human nature.

Where it applies

  • spiritual practice
  • self-reflection
  • philosophical discussion

Putting it to work

  • practice self-acceptance
  • examine personal goals

Questions to consider

  • Are you happy with who you are?
  • What drives your desire to change?

Another view

Striving for improvement is a vital part of human progress.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. It has often been said that power corrupts. But it is perhaps equally important to realize that weakness, too, corrupts. Power corrupts the few, while weakness…

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  2. To most of us nothing is so invisible as an unpleasant truth. Though it is held before our eyes, pushed under our noses, rammed down our throats - we know it n…

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  3. Whenever we proclaim the uniqueness of a religion, a truth, a leader, a nation, a race, a part or a holy cause, we are also proclaiming our own uniqueness.

    Permalink to quote #39

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