But the bravest man amongst us is afraid of himself. The…
““But the bravest man amongst us is afraid of himself. The mutilation of the savage has its tragic survival in the self-denial that mars our lives. We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind and poisons us. The body sins once, and has done with its sin, for action is a mode of purification. Nothing remains then but the recollection of a pleasure, or the luxury of a regret. The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful. It has been said that the great events of the world take place in the brain. It is in the brain, and the brain only, that the great sins of the world take place also.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote explores inner conflict, suggesting that denying our desires leads to greater torment, and that true purification comes from confronting rather than repressing impulses.
In simple terms: Suppressing desires creates inner pain; confronting them can purify.
Key Takeaway
Face your impulses, don’t deny them.
Themes
psychology
philosophy
self
inner conflict
temptation
Mood
reflective
introspective
serious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- therapy
- creative work
- relationship decisions
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Freudian repression
existential authenticity
moral paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires are you denying?
- How can confronting temptation lead to growth?
A Different Perspective
Denial may lead to harmful actions if not balanced with responsibility.