You take yourself too seriously, he said slowly. You are too damn important in your own mind. That must be changed! You are so goddamn important that you feel justified to be annoyed with everything. You're so damn important that you can afford to leave if things don't go your way. I suppose you think that shows you have character. That's nonsense! You're weak, and conceited! - Dom Juan
In this excerpt from "Journey to Ixtlan" by Carlos Castaneda, Dom Juan critiques a person's self-importance and seriousness. He suggests that this inflated self-view leads to unnecessary annoyance and a tendency to walk away from situations that don't meet their expectations. According to Dom Juan, this belief in one's own significance is not a sign of strength or character but rather reflects weakness and arrogance.
By emphasizing the dangers of taking oneself too seriously, Dom Juan encourages a more humble and resilient attitude. He challenges the notion that leaving difficult circumstances demonstrates strength, arguing instead that it reveals a lack of true character and an inability to engage with life's complexities. This passage offers profound insight into the importance of humility and perseverance in personal growth.
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