"The man who has no inner-life is a slave to his surroundings"
- Henri Frederic Amiel
About this Quote
This quote by Henri Frederic Amiel speaks to the value of having an inner-life. An inner-life is a life of reflection, contemplation, and introspection. It is a life of self-awareness and understanding. It is a life of purpose and meaning. Without an inner-life, one is a slave to their surroundings. They are at the grace of external forces, unable to make decisions or act based on their own worths and beliefs. They are unable to think for themselves and are instead affected by the opinions and beliefs of those around them. Without an inner-life, one is unable to discover real freedom and autonomy. They are unable to find their own course and instead are stuck in a cycle of following the crowd. An inner-life is necessary for real liberty and autonomy. It is necessary for discovering one's own purpose and significance in life. Without an inner-life, one is a servant to their surroundings.
"The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it"
