'What right do you have to tell me things?' I can see this question in your apprehensive look. I hear this question from your impertinent mouth, Little Man. You are afraid to look at yourself, you are afraid of criticism, Little Man, just as you are afraid of the power they promise you. You would not know how to use this power. You dare not think that you ever might experience your self differently: free instead of cowed; open instead of tactical; loving openly instead of like a thief in the night. You despise yourself Little Man. You say: 'Who am I to have an opinion of my own, to determine my own life and to declare the world to be mine?' You are right: Who are you to make a claim to your life?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reich describes the Little Man’s fear of self‑knowledge and power, urging him to imagine a freer, more open self.
- In plain terms
- Fear stops the Little Man from seeing himself freely.
- What can you take from it?
- Overcome fear to experience a freer self.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What fears limit your self‑view?
- How could you safely explore new self‑identities?
Another view
Some fear may be protective and not solely negative.
More from Wilhelm Reich
See yourself as you really are. Listen to what none of your leaders and representatives dares tell you: You are a 'little, common man.' Understand the double m…
Permalink to quote #43 You are different from the really great man in only one thing: The great man, at one time, also was a very little man, but he developed one important ability: …
Permalink to quote #45 You let men in power assume power 'for the Little Man'. But you yourself remain silent. You give men in power or impotent people with evil intentions the power…
Permalink to quote #42
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