The reward of renunciation is some good greater than the thing renounced. To renounce with no vision of such a good, from fear or in automatic obedience to a formula, is to weaken the springs of life, and to diminish the soul's resistance to this world.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Renunciation is only worthwhile if it aims for a greater good; giving things up out of fear or blind obedience weakens life.
- In plain terms
- Only give things up if you see a bigger benefit; otherwise it just hurts you.
- What can you take from it?
- Self-denial needs a clear purpose to be healthy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you giving something up for a reason or just because?
- What greater good justifies your sacrifice?
Another view
Sometimes giving things up out of necessity still has value even without a grand vision.
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