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There's a tendency for people to want to be led. I've touched on that subject a few other times in other songs I've written. But this one was more personal, and it also suggests that people find their true strength at a point where they seem to be at their biggest weakness. And I think that's when you can really find inspiration from someone. When someone is living high on the hog and someone can do no wrong and everyone loves them, that's really not the time to look at them and see what they're really made of or really worth. The time to be inspired by someone is when they're dealing with tragedy and negative aspects of themselves and the world around them. When I'm confident and filled with understanding and strength, I'm probably not really exhibiting anything that's worth following. But if I'm knee deep in shit and I'm managing to get through it, maybe I'm setting an example that someone else can benefit from.

Chris Cornell#9

AdversityInspirationResilienceStrength

About this quote

What does it mean?
True strength and inspiration come from overcoming personal struggles rather than enjoying success.
In plain terms
People show their real character during hard times.
What can you take from it?
Look to those who struggle and keep going for true inspiration.

Where it applies

  • seeking role models
  • navigating personal crisis
  • leading teams

Putting it to work

  • share struggles openly
  • support others in crisis
  • value perseverance

Questions to consider

  • Who inspires you during hard times?
  • When did you show strength under pressure?

Another view

Some people inspire others through success.

More from Chris Cornell

  1. I think we all carry a depressive streak in us but most people just hide it. A lot of people think that entertainment has to be something loud, cheerful and ha…

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. When I was maybe nine years old, I listened to the entire Beatles catalogue, non-stop, for about a year, being a naive child, I didn't know who sang what song.…

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. Follow My Way is one of my favorites. It describes the idea that a person's true strengths and positive sides are really found more in their weaknesses and the…

    Permalink to quote #11

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