By going out of your mind, you come to your senses
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "By going out of your mind, you come to your senses" encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of consciousness and perception. At first glance, it may seem paradoxical or even nonsensical, but upon deeper reflection, it reveals a fundamental truth about human experience.
The phrase "going out of your mind" suggests a departure from conventional modes of thinking and perception. It implies a transcendence of the ordinary, a breaking free from the constraints of rationality and logic. This departure can take many forms – it might involve meditation, introspection, or even moments of extreme emotion or ecstasy. In any case, it entails a shift in consciousness, a movement beyond the boundaries of everyday awareness.
However, far from leading to chaos or confusion, this departure is paradoxically the very thing that enables us to "come to our senses." Here, "coming to our senses" signifies a deeper level of awareness, an enhanced sensitivity to the richness of our experience. It involves a heightened perception of the world around us, an acute attentiveness to the present moment.
In this sense, "going out of your mind" can be seen as a prerequisite for true insight and understanding. By temporarily relinquishing our attachment to rational thought and ego-driven concerns, we create space for a more intuitive mode of knowing to emerge. This intuitive knowing is not bound by concepts or language but is instead rooted in direct experience – in the raw, unmediated encounter with reality.
Moreover, the phrase suggests that what we commonly think of as "the mind" – that is, our discursive thoughts, beliefs, and identities – can sometimes obscure our deeper perception of reality. By letting go of these mental constructs, by stepping outside the confines of our habitual patterns of thinking, we open ourselves up to a more direct experience of truth.
Ultimately, then, the quote speaks to the transformative power of stepping beyond the limitations of conventional thought. It invites us to explore realms of consciousness beyond the familiar territory of reason and intellect. In doing so, it suggests, we may discover a deeper, more authentic mode of being – one that is attuned to the subtle rhythms of the world and alive to the beauty and mystery of existence.
Who said the quote?
The quote "By going out of your mind, you come to your senses" is often attributed to Alan Watts (Bio / Quotes). Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker who popularized Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the Western world.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.