Only in relationship can you know yourself, not in abstraction and certainly not in isolation. The movement of behavior is the sure guide to yourself. It's the mirror of your consciousness: this mirror will reveal its content, the images, the attachments, the fears, the loneliness, the joys and sorrow. Poverty lies in running away from this, either in its sublimations or its identities.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of relationships in our understanding of ourselves. It suggests that we cannot truly know who we are by thinking about ourselves in isolation or in abstract terms. Instead, our behavior in relationships serves as a reliable indicator of our true selves. Our interactions with others reflect our consciousness, revealing our desires, fears, attachments, and emotions. The quote also warns against avoiding this self-discovery by indulging in distractions or assuming false identities. True understanding comes from embracing the reflections and experiences that relationships provide.

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