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It is high time for the living to get tough, for toughness…

“It is high time for the living to get tough, for toughness is indispensable in the struggle to safeguard and develop the life-force; this will not detract from their goodness, as long as they stand courageously by the truth. There is ground for hope in the fact that among millions of decent…” quote by Wilhelm Reich
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““It is high time for the living to get tough, for toughness is indispensable in the struggle to safeguard and develop the life-force; this will not detract from their goodness, as long as they stand courageously by the truth. There is ground for hope in the fact that among millions of decent, hard-working people there are only a few plague-ridden individuals, who do untold harm by appealing to the dark, dangerous drives of the armored average man and mobilizing him for political murder. There is but one antidote to the average man's predisposition to plague: his own feelings for true life. The life force does not seek power but demands only to play its full and acknowledged part in human affairs. It manifests itself through love, work and knowledge.””

Wilhelm Reich

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 argues that personal toughness and courage are essential to protect and develop humanity’s vital energy, and that true love, work, and knowledge counteract destructive forces.

In simple terms: Courage protects humanity’s vital energy against destructive forces.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate courage, love, work, and knowledge.

Themes

courage humanity energy love knowledge

Mood

determined hopeful serious

Type

philosophical political motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • political activism
  • community building
  • education
  • mental health

Key Concepts

psychology political philosophy social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can individuals foster courage in daily life?
  • What role does love play in resisting harmful ideologies?
A Different Perspective

Strength alone cannot overcome systemic oppression without collective action.

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