Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker urges a shocking, perhaps violent, action to stay alive.
In plain terms
They suggest shocking the monkey to survive.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes drastic measures are needed to awaken or survive.

Where it applies

  • crisis management
  • creative breakthroughs

Putting it to work

  • use bold actions when stuck
  • challenge complacency

Questions to consider

  • When is a shock justified?
  • What are safer alternatives?

Another view

The metaphor can be interpreted as encouraging aggression.

More from Peter Gabriel

  1. I need contact Nothing seems to please I need contact.

    Permalink to quote #13

  2. Cover me when I run Cover me through the fire Something knocked me out' the trees Now I'm on my knees Cover me, darling please.

    Permalink to quote #15

  3. Wanting contact I'm wanting contact I'm wanting contact with you.

    Permalink to quote #12

Related quotes

  1. My nature is that I have to excite myself with a big challenge.

    Garry KasparovGarry Kasparov quote #1

  2. I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It's by the nature of his deep inner soul ... we're required …

    Neil ArmstrongNeil Armstrong quote #1

  3. Men are not really born either hopelessly idle, or preternaturally industrious. They may move in one direction or the other as will or circumstances dictate, b…

    1st Baron Beaverbrook1st Baron Beaverbrook quote #2