D. H. Lawrence: 'Consciousness is an end in itself. We torture ourselves getting somewhere, and when we get there it is nowhere, for there is nowhere to get to.'

Consciousness is an end in itself. We torture ourselves getting somewhere, and when we get there it is nowhere, for there is nowhere to get to.

In his insightful quote, D. H. Lawrence ponders the essence of consciousness and challenges our preconceived notions about the purpose of our endeavors. Summarized simply, Lawrence suggests that consciousness is a valuable state of being without any inherent need for a destination to strive towards. This idea brings to light an unexpected philosophical concept, questioning the socially ingrained notion that progress is synonymous with purpose. By contrasting the conventional pursuit of achieving goals with the idea that consciousness is its own fulfillment, Lawrence invites us to reevaluate our perspectives and explore a different way of perceiving and experiencing life.At first glance, Lawrence's quote may strike us as a paradoxical statement. After all, aren't we taught from a young age to set goals, work hard, and achieve success? Yet, Lawrence's perspective forces us to question the true value of this outwardly-driven approach. He suggests that in our relentless pursuit of reaching our destinations, we often neglect to fully appreciate the present moment. We become consumed by thoughts of the future, convinced that the attainment of our goals will bring us happiness and fulfillment.However, Lawrence argues that this mindset leads to an inherent flaw. We torture ourselves in our ceaseless efforts to get "somewhere," only to find that the destination is ultimately unfulfilling. This disillusionment arises because the true fulfillment lies not in the achieved goal but rather in the conscious experience itself. It is in the journey, not the destination, where the richness of life is found.The unexpected philosophical concept that emerges from Lawrence's quote is that of "present moment awareness" or "mindfulness." This concept, rooted in various ancient Eastern philosophies, emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the current moment. It encourages a shift in focus from future goals to a deeper appreciation of the here and now. By cultivating conscious awareness, we can find fulfillment in each moment, irrespective of whether we are striving towards a specific destination or not.While the conventional approach may lead to a sense of accomplishment once a goal is achieved, the emphasis on conscious awareness challenges us to find fulfillment in every step of the journey. Mindfulness teaches us to pause, observe, and appreciate the mundane aspects of life, allowing us to find joy and satisfaction in the present without the constant need for external validation.By contrasting the commonly accepted notion of progress-driven purpose with the idea that consciousness is a worthy goal in itself, Lawrence's quote opens the door to profound introspection. It nudges us to reevaluate our own lives and question whether we are truly present in the moments we live or merely fixated on an elusive destination.It is crucial, however, not to misconstrue Lawrence's message as advocating for aimlessness or complacency in life. Instead, his words encourage us to find a delicate balance between striving for our aspirations and mindfully experiencing the journey. By consciously immersing ourselves in every moment, we enhance our appreciation for life's intricacies, finding fulfillment in the process rather than solely seeking it in the outcome.In conclusion, D. H. Lawrence's quote challenges our conventional notions of purpose and progress. By suggesting that consciousness itself is an end in itself, he invites us to reevaluate our focus on future destinations and instead cultivate present moment awareness. In doing so, we can find fulfillment in every step of our journey, ultimately embracing the richness of life itself. As we ponder the profound message behind Lawrence's words, let us not forget to appreciate the beauty and wonder that can be found in simply being conscious.