Nobody knows why we're alive; so we all create stories based on our imagination of the world; and as a community, we believe in the same story. In India, every person believes his/ her own mythosphere to be real. Indian thought is obsessed with subjectivity; Greek thought with objectivity.

In the quote, "Nobody knows why we're alive; so we all create stories based on our imagination of the world; and as a community, we believe in the same story," Devdutt Pattanaik highlights the human tendency to seek meaning in life through narratives. He suggests that, in the absence of clear answers about existence, humans rely on their imagination to create personal and collective stories that offer explanations and purpose. These stories are often shaped by cultural beliefs, shared experiences, and societal norms, helping people make sense of the world and their place in it.

Pattanaik then contrasts this shared belief in stories by discussing how in India, each person holds a unique mythosphere—a personal myth or story they believe to be true. He explains that the mythosphere is a lens through which individuals in India view and interpret their lives, seeing their personal beliefs and experiences as part of a larger, culturally rooted narrative. This subjective view of the world is a reflection of Indian thought, which tends to prioritize individual perception and inner experiences over objective facts.

In comparison, Pattanaik points to Greek thought, which he suggests emphasizes objectivity—the belief in a universal, external reality that is independent of personal interpretation. Greek thought is concerned with logical reasoning and tangible, observable truths, whereas Indian thought is more focused on the internal world of subjectivity, where personal experience, perception, and individual belief are central to understanding existence.

The origin of this quote comes from Pattanaik's exploration of cultural and philosophical differences, particularly in his work around mythology and Indian thought. Known for his writings on myths, philosophy, and their influence on society, Pattanaik often compares Eastern and Western approaches to understanding the world. In this quote, he draws attention to the deeply subjective and personalized nature of Indian philosophy, contrasting it with the more objective and externally focused traditions of the West.