The man who sailed around his soul From East to West, from pole to pole With ego as his drunken captain Greed, the mutineer, had trapped all reason in the hold
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A man who explores his inner self gets trapped by ego and greed, losing reason along the way.
- In plain terms
- Trying to know yourself can go wrong if pride and greed take control.
- What can you take from it?
- Self-exploration requires guarding against ego.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did ego lead you astray?
- How do you keep reason in control?
Another view
The metaphor mixes sailing with inner journey in a way that may confuse literal readers.
More from Andy Partridge
Ballet for a rainy day Silent film of melting miracle play Dancing out there through my window To the backdrop of a slow descending grey
Permalink to quote #13 Dear God, sorry to disturb you, but... I feel that I should be heard loud and clear. We all need a big reduction in amount of tears And all the people that you…
Permalink to quote #15 Reign of blows cascading down upon your shoulders Far too many men dressed up as soldiers The lamb is brought to the ground Under the weight of the Crown A cro…
Permalink to quote #12
Related quotes
The traveler has to knock at every alien door to come to his own, and he has to wonder through all the outer worlds to reach the innermost shrine at the end.
Rabindranath TagoreRabindranath Tagore quote #149 I am a mariner of Odysseus with heart of fire but with mind ruthless and clear.
Nikos KazantzakisNikos Kazantzakis quote #1 I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty... But I am too busy thinking about myself.
Edith SitwellEdith Sitwell quote #2