That's what misery is, Nothing to have at heart. It is to have or nothing. It is a thing to have, A lion, an ox in his breast, To feel it breathing there. Corazon, stout dog, Young ox, bow-legged bear, He tastes its blood, not spit. He is like a man In the body of a violent beast. Its muscles are his own... The lion sleeps in the sun. Its nose is on its paws. It can kill a man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The passage portrays misery as a powerful inner beast that both threatens and defines a person.
- In plain terms
- Misery is like a fierce animal inside us.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize and confront inner turmoil rather than ignore it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does inner turmoil shape your actions?
- Can you tame the 'beast' within?
Another view
The metaphor may romanticize suffering.
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