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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human consciousness is the only sacred part; the rest is biological machinery.
In plain terms
Only our awareness is alive and sacred.
What can you take from it?
Value consciousness above physical existence.

Where it applies

  • philosophical debate
  • spiritual crisis
  • identity search

Putting it to work

  • meditation
  • mindfulness
  • introspection

Questions to consider

  • What makes you alive?
  • Is the body mechanical?

Another view

Some consider emotions or bodies sacred too.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

  1. Hey - guess what: You're the only creature with free will. How does that make you feel?

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  2. There is no order in the world around us, we must adapt ourselves to the requirements of chaos instead. It is hard to adapt to chaos, but it can be done. I am …

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  3. We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane.

    Permalink to quote #92

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