Our soul and the sky and the earth are enough for us. Wanting more is to lose this and to be unhappy.

Our soul and the sky and the earth are enough for us. Wanting more is to lose this and to be unhappy.

📖 Fernando Pessoa

🌍 Portuguese  |  👨‍💼 Author

🎂 June 13, 1888  –  ⚰️ November 30, 1935
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This quote by Fernando Pessoa, through the voice of his heteronym Alberto Caeiro, presents a profound reflection on contentment and the nature of desire. It suggests that the vastness and completeness found within our own soul, combined with the simplicity and constancy of the natural world— the sky and the earth—offer sufficient fulfillment. The metaphorical relationship between the internal self and the external environment underscores a harmonious existence that does not require further accumulation or yearning.

The notion of "wanting more" is depicted not simply as dissatisfaction but as an act that ironically leads to losing what is already whole and true. In today's society, the endless pursuit of material possessions, achievements, or ambitions often disguises the spiritual or emotional void within us. Pessoa's words challenge this paradigm by urging the reader to recognize the sufficiency in what is naturally present, both within and around us. This can be seen as an encouragement towards mindfulness or a return to simplicity—fostering happiness through acceptance rather than constant striving.

Moreover, the quote evokes themes of existentialism and stoicism—a reminder that external desires and restless cravings might detract from inner peace. It calls for a deep appreciation of the existing connection between human beings and nature, suggesting that true contentment is not a product of more, but of reconciling with what already exists. Through this lens, happiness is not found in the endless pursuit of more but in the quiet, grounded presence within oneself and the world.

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June 08, 2025

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