Fear Quote by Alan W. Watts
““Great power is worry, and total power is boredom, such that even God renounces it and pretends, instead, that he is people and fish and insects and plants: the myth of the king who goes wandering among his subjects in disguise.””
About This Quote
Power brings anxiety; ultimate power leads to existential boredom, prompting even deities to disguise themselves as ordinary life forms.
In simple terms: Power causes worry; total power causes boredom, so even gods hide as common beings.
Recognize limits of power and seek humility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- spiritual practice
- creative writing
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power affect your sense of self?
- What disguises do you adopt to cope with responsibility?
Power can corrupt and isolate; humility may be difficult to maintain.