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About this quote

What does it mean?
This fragment suggests acting contrary to internal resistance or external expectations. It implies a defiance of conventional preferences.
In plain terms
Do the opposite of what you or it prefers.
What can you take from it?
Challenge your own dislikes to grow.

Where it applies

  • habit breaking
  • decision making
  • creative work

Putting it to work

  • taking risks
  • trying new things
  • challenging comfort

Questions to consider

  • What does 'it' dislike about you?
  • Why resist what feels natural?

Another view

Always opposing preferences can lead to poor choices.

More from G. I. Gurdjieff

  1. 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 …

    Permalink to quote #35
  2. The worse the conditions of life the more productive the work, always provided you remember the work.

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. You must understand that ordinary efforts do not count; only superefforts count.

    Permalink to quote #34

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