You ask me what forces me to speak? a strange thing; my…
““You ask me what forces me to speak? a strange thing; my conscience. . . . You ask why I speak? I am neither informed against, nor pursued, nor hunted, say you. Yes! I am informed against! yes! I am pursued! yes! I am hunted! By whom? by myself. It is I myself who bar the way before myself, and I drag myself, and I urge myself, and I check myself and I exert myself, and when one holds himself he is well held.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker acknowledges that inner conscience compels speech, despite self-imposed obstacles and self‑pursuit.
In simple terms: Conscience forces me to speak, even when I block myself.
Key Takeaway
Listen to your inner voice despite self‑doubt.
Themes
self‑reflection
conscience
speech
Mood
introspective
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- writing
- public speaking
- personal journaling
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal barriers stop you from speaking?
- How can you reconcile self‑pursuit with authentic expression?
A Different Perspective
Self‑obstruction can silence even the most compelled voices.