New Domestic Animals. I want to have my lion and my eagle about me, that I may always have hints and premonitions concerning the amount of my strength or weakness. Must I look down on them today, and be afraid of them? And will the hour come once more when they will look up to me, and tremble?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Keeping powerful symbols like a lion or eagle nearby reminds us of our strengths and weaknesses, prompting respect and humility.
- In plain terms
- Symbols of power keep us aware of our limits.
- What can you take from it?
- Use reminders of strength to stay humble.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What symbols keep you honest about your abilities?
- How can you avoid becoming fearful of your own symbols?
Another view
Over‑reliance on symbols can become ego‑inflating rather than grounding.
More from Friedrich Nietzsche
We have no dreams at all or interesting ones. We should learn to be awake the same way - not at all or in an interesting manner.
Permalink to quote #81 What is the seal of liberation? - No longer being ashamed in front of oneself.
Permalink to quote #83 The most perfidious way of harming a cause consists of defending it deliberately with faulty arguments.
Permalink to quote #80
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