I ascended, I ascended, I dreamt, I thought,—but…
““I ascended, I ascended, I dreamt, I thought,—but everything oppressed me. A sick one did I resemble, whom bad torture wearieth, and a worse dream reawakeneth out of his first sleep.— But there is something in me which I call courage: it hath hitherto slain for me every dejection. This courage at last bade me stand still and say: "Dwarf! Thou! Or I!"— For courage is the best slayer,—courage which attacketh: for in every attack there is sound of triumph. Man, however, is the most courageous animal: thereby hath he overcome every animal. With sound of triumph hath he overcome every pain; human pain, however, is the sorest pain. Courage slayeth also giddiness at abysses: and where doth man not stand at abysses! Is not seeing itself—seeing abysses? Courage is the best slayer: courage slayeth also fellow-suffering. Fellow-suffering, however, is the deepest abyss: as deeply as man looketh into life, so deeply also doth he look into suffering. Courage, however, is the best slayer, courage which attacketh: it slayeth even death itself; for it saith: "Was that life? Well! Once more!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Courage repeatedly the force that defeats despair, pain, and even death, allowing humanity to confront and transcend suffering.
In simple terms: Courage conquers fear and suffering.
Key Takeaway
Embrace courage to overcome obstacles.
Themes
courage
humanity
overcoming
existential
resilience
Mood
determined
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- war
- grief
- mental health challenges
Key Concepts
existentialism
will to power
nihilism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does courage change your perception of pain?
- Can courage be cultivated in daily life?
A Different Perspective
Courage may not eliminate the source of suffering, only the reaction to it.