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"En nous il y a quelque chose qui n'a pas de nom cette chose est ce que nous sommes"

Jose Saramago
Jose Saramago Novelist
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Quote meaning
There's a part of us, deep down, that defines our very essence—yet it’s something we can’t quite label. This indescribable core is what makes us who we are. Think about it: every single one of us has a unique spark, a certain je ne sais quoi, that distinguishes us from everyone else. It’s this inner, nameless quality that guides our passions, our decisions, and ultimately shapes our lives.

When this quote was first articulated, it was likely meant to remind us of our intrinsic, undefinable human spirit. Something that transcends mere titles, roles, or any external identifiers. We spend a lot of time trying to put ourselves into boxes—mother, engineer, artist—but the most profound parts of us can't be boxed in. This idea has been echoed throughout history by philosophers, poets, and everyday people alike.

Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example: Think about Steve Jobs. On the surface, he was an entrepreneur, a CEO, and a tech visionary. But if you dive deeper, there was something more—an innate drive, a relentless curiosity, and a profound sense of creativity that couldn't be pinned down by a job title. Jobs’ unique “something” led him to challenge the status quo and innovate in ways that seemed almost magical to the rest of us. His essence wasn’t encapsulated in his role at Apple, but in the deeper, indefinable qualities that drove his actions and visions.

So, how do we harness this wisdom in our own lives? Start by looking inward. Spend time reflecting on what truly motivates and excites you—those things that make you feel most alive. Don’t worry about whether they fit into a neat category or how others might perceive them. Embrace the aspects of your personality and interests that are hardest to define; often, that's where your authentic self lives.

Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your career. You’ve got a stable job, but something inside you, that nameless essence, feels unfulfilled. You’re passionate about music, but the idea of pursuing it feels unrealistic. Here’s the thing—if you ignore that inner voice, you’re denying a core part of who you are. Maybe you start small. Take some evening classes, play at local gigs, or even just give yourself permission to spend more time with your guitar. By feeding that nameless something inside, you’re nurturing your true self.

Here’s a story to drive it home: Picture a woman named Sarah. She’s always had a knack for storytelling but ended up in a corporate job because it seemed like the “right” thing to do. Years go by, and she’s good at her job, but there’s a persistent feeling of emptiness. One day, she decides to write a short story just for fun. It feels like breathing for the first time in years. Encouraged by that spark, she writes more and eventually publishes a collection of stories. She didn’t become a different person; she simply listened to that nameless something inside her and let it guide her.

In the end, it’s about tuning into that deep-seated part of yourself. The part that resists easy definition but holds the truth of who you are. So next time you’re trying to figure out your path or understand your motivations, remember that it’s okay if it doesn't fit into a tidy box. Embrace the mystery—that’s where the magic happens.
Related tags
Being Consciousness Existentialism Human nature Identity Inner self Philosophy Self-awareness Self-discovery
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