This‍ quote by Meister Eckhart suggests that finding God within ‍ourselves is not about adding anything new, but rather about eliminating the unnecessary. This is a concept rooted in mysticism, which often emphasizes the idea of stripping away all that is not essential to reveal the divine essence within us.

In the context of this‌ quote, “subtraction” ⁢refers to the process of letting go of our ego, our desires, our ​fears, our prejudices, our preconceived notions, and our attachments ⁣to material things. It’s about removing the layers of our identity that are not ⁣truly⁣ us – ​our social conditioning, our roles, our labels, and our self-images. According to Eckhart, God is already within us, but‌ our true essence is often ⁤obscured by these ⁤layers. Hence, we⁤ don’t need⁣ to add ⁢anything to find God; we just need to subtract what is not truly us.

In today’s world, this concept can be applied in various ways. In⁤ personal development, for instance, this idea ⁤encourages us to focus on self-awareness, introspection, and authenticity. It suggests that true growth and transformation come from letting go of⁢ what no longer serves us, rather than ⁣constantly striving to gain or achieve more. It tells us that the path ‌to self-improvement is not about adding more​ skills, accomplishments, or‍ possessions to our lives, but ​about removing the ⁣barriers that prevent us‍ from recognizing and⁤ expressing our true selves.

In ⁤the broader societal context, this idea could⁣ be ​applied to promote simplicity,​ minimalism, and sustainability.‍ It challenges the consumerist mindset that equates happiness and success⁣ with ‍accumulation and consumption. It encourages us to question our values and priorities, and to consider whether we might find ⁢more fulfillment in simplicity and mindfulness than in constant striving and ⁤accumulation.

In essence, Eckhart’s quote is a call to return to our essence, to recognize and honor the divine within us, and to let go of⁣ the distractions ⁣and illusions that keep us from realizing our true nature. ⁣It’s a ⁤reminder that we are⁤ already whole and complete as we are, and that the path to God – or to our highest self – is a journey of ​subtraction, not addition.