The conceited villager believes the entire world to be his village. Provided that be can be mayor, humiliate the rival who stole his sweetheart, or add to the savings in his strongbox , he considers the universal order good, unaware of those giants with seven-league boots who can crush him underfoot, or of the strife in the heavens between comets that go through the air asleep, gulping down worlds.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A narrow-minded person views the world only through their limited personal interests and lacks awareness of larger forces.
- In plain terms
- Small-minded people ignore big dangers while focusing on petty gains.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not mistake your small world for the whole reality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What larger forces do you ignore?
- How limited is your current view?
Another view
The metaphor relies on mythical giants which may not resonate literally with all readers.
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Day and night I always dream with open eyes.
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