Unselfing: Iris Murdoch’s Philosophy on Quietening the Ego
Explore Iris Murdoch’s philosophy of unselfing. Learn how to quiet the relentless ego and internal noise through a gladsome relaxing into the reality of the world.
Лучшая цитата из Unselfing: Iris Murdoch’s Philosophy on Quietening the Ego
Love is the extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real; it is the patient act of seeing without trying to rearrange the other person to fit your own narrative.
Этот аудиоурок был создан участником сообщества BeFreed
Necesito que me expliques que es unselfing no se relaciona con el ego y como podemos identificar como actúa el ego día a día en un día normal poner ejemplo Plus
Часто задаваемые вопросы
Unselfing is a philosophical concept introduced by Iris Murdoch that describes the sudden silence of the self. It occurs when an individual shifts focus away from their own internal noise, anxieties, and wounded pride to truly see the reality of the world around them. This shift allows the internal chatter to stop, replacing the projection of the ego with a direct and clear perception of external existence, such as the sight of a hovering kestrel.
Iris Murdoch characterizes the ego as a 'fat, relentless ego' that acts like a hungry machine. It is constantly looking after its own interests, daydreaming to avoid reality, and weaving a veil of fantasy to protect the individual from pain. This ego often keeps us trapped in a cycle of resentment and reputation-based anxiety, preventing us from engaging with the world as it actually is beyond our personal projections.
A gladsome relaxing of the spirit refers to the positive and non-punitive nature of unselfing. Rather than being a chore or involving self-hatred, it is a refreshing release from the burden of the self. This process allows a person to relax into the reality of the world, quieting the 'fifty tabs' of mental anxiety and ego-driven distractions to find a sense of peace and clarity in the present moment.
No, unselfing is not about hating yourself or becoming a doormat. While modern culture often focuses on finding oneself or building self-esteem, Murdoch’s philosophy suggests that the ego is actually a hurdle to living a good life. Unselfing is the opposite of self-obsession; it is the practice of quieting the internal noise so that you can see the world clearly without the interference of your own pride or fantasies.
Узнать больше
Knowing my self
Knowing my self
In an era of constant distraction, understanding one's internal landscape is essential for emotional resilience and personal growth. This plan is designed for individuals seeking to transition from reactive living to a life of conscious, value-driven authenticity.
Raise consciousness
Raise consciousness
In an era of constant distraction, mastering one's internal state is essential for true mental freedom. This plan is designed for seekers looking to move beyond surface-level mindfulness into deep spiritual transformation and ego transcendence.
Mind, Self, Love & Creative Growth
Mind, Self, Love & Creative Growth
In an era of constant distraction and social pressure, finding a balance between inner peace and outward expression is essential. This plan is designed for individuals seeking to reconnect with their true selves while improving their relational health and creative output.
Center myself and be comfortable in nothing
Center myself and be comfortable in nothing
This plan is designed for individuals feeling overwhelmed by constant mental noise and external pressures. It provides a structured path to mastering inner stillness and non-attachment, making it ideal for anyone seeking emotional resilience and a deeper connection to their own presence.
Help my selfishness tords my self
Help my selfishness tords my self
This plan is essential for anyone struggling with self-criticism or a lack of self-worth. It provides a structured path for individuals to transition from self-sabotage to self-compassion by building foundational emotional skills.
Quiet my mind
Quiet my mind
In an era of constant distraction, mastering your internal environment is essential for mental health and productivity. This plan is designed for overthinkers and busy professionals seeking to transition from a state of mental noise to a life of sustained, unshakeable tranquility.
Live Mindfully & Happily
Live Mindfully & Happily
In an era of constant distraction, mastering your internal landscape is essential for mental health. This plan is designed for anyone feeling overwhelmed or disconnected who seeks to build a sustainable foundation of emotional intelligence and present-moment awareness.
Build Confidence, Focus & Live Mindfully
Build Confidence, Focus & Live Mindfully
In an era of constant distraction and self-doubt, mastering your internal state is essential for personal and professional success. This plan is designed for individuals seeking to reclaim their focus and build a resilient foundation of self-esteem through proven psychological and mindfulness practices.
Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
