Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
True strength is shown by breaking a wild bull’s neck, not by merely defeating weaker foes.
In plain terms
Real power is proven against the toughest challenges.
What can you take from it?
Seek to test yourself against the hardest obstacles.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • combat training

Putting it to work

  • train for tough tasks
  • avoid complacency

Questions to consider

  • What is your 'bull' to overcome?
  • Is strength only physical?

Another view

Violent metaphor may not suit all audiences.

More from Robert E. Howard

  1. Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. [The] chief [of the gods of Cimmeria] is Crom. He dwells on a great mountain. What use to call on him? Little he cares if men live or die. Better to be silent …

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. When I was a fighting-man, the kettle-drums they beat, The people scattered gold-dust before my horses feet; But now I am a great king, the people hound my tra…

    Permalink to quote #2

Related quotes

  1. Vor einem grauen Haupte sollst du aufstehen!

    Adolf Freiherr KniggeAdolf Freiherr Knigge quote #14
  2. I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail Yes I would, if I could, I surely would I'd rather be a hammer than a nail Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would

    Paul SimonPaul Simon quote #28
  3. For I've finally realized, that I could be infinitely better than before, definitely stronger. I'll face whatever comes my way, I'll savor each moment of the d…

    Gloria EstefanGloria Estefan quote #127