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"هرچه انسان خود را بیشتر از دنیای اطرافش بیگانه می‌کند بیشتر از دنیای درونی خود نیز بیگانه می‌شود"

Erich Fromm
Erich Fromm Psychoanalyst
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Quote meaning
When we distance ourselves from the world, we're also distancing ourselves from our own innermost feelings and thoughts. It's like building walls around our hearts and minds, cutting off not just the outside world but also our own self-awareness.

This idea has roots in the philosophy of existentialism, particularly in the thoughts of Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger. These thinkers argued that when we disconnect from our environment and the people around us, we lose touch with who we truly are. Maybe this quote came about during a time when society was becoming more individualistic and less community-oriented. Or perhaps it was said to someone struggling with feeling isolated and detached from both their surroundings and themselves.

Imagine this: a person spends all their time working in a high-pressure job, barely interacting with family or friends. Over time, they might start feeling a sense of emptiness. They're not only disconnected from their loved ones but also from their own emotions and desires. This scenario is all too common in our fast-paced world, where we often prioritize productivity over personal connections.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our everyday lives? Start by being present. Really engage with the people around you—listen to them, share your thoughts, and create meaningful interactions. Take time to reflect on your own feelings and experiences. Maybe keep a journal or just spend a few quiet moments each day to check in with yourself.

One of my friends, let's call him Jack, went through something similar. He was so engrossed in his work that he barely had time for anything else. He thought he was doing well because he was achieving his career goals. But then, he started feeling restless and unhappy without knowing why. It wasn't until he took a step back, started spending time with his family, and reflecting on his life that he realized how disconnected he'd become—from others and himself. Jack started making small changes, like having regular family dinners and taking up a hobby he loved but had long forgotten. Gradually, he felt more at peace and connected, both with his loved ones and his own inner world.

So, what's the takeaway here? Don't let the hustle and bustle of life make you lose sight of what truly matters. Engage with the world around you and stay in touch with your inner self. It's not always easy, but it's worth it.

Think of it like this: if you were a tree, the world around you would be the soil, sun, and water that nourish you. Disconnecting from it is like uprooting yourself—without those essential connections, you can't thrive. So, make a conscious effort to stay grounded in both your external and internal worlds.

Remember, life's about balance. To truly understand yourself, you need to be part of the world around you. And to fully connect with others, you need to know yourself. It's all intertwined. So, take that walk in the park, call that friend, and spend some quiet time reflecting. You'll find that the more connected you are with the world, the more you'll understand and appreciate your own inner landscape.
Related tags
Alienation Disconnection Human nature Inner world Introspection Personal growth Psychology Self-awareness Self-discovery
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