Bows Quote by Allan Bloom
“The self must be a tense bow. It must struggle with opposites rather than harmonize them, rather than turn the tension over to the great instruments of last manhood the skilled bow unbenders and Jesuits of our days, the psychiatrists, who, in the same spirit and as part of the same conspiracy of modernity as the peace virtuosos, reduce conflict.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom, 1987
The self should embrace internal conflict, using tension as a creative force rather than seeking smooth harmony.
In simple terms: Embrace inner tension for growth.
Use conflict as a catalyst for development.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- therapy
- artistic creation
- leadership challenges
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you channel inner conflict constructively?
- What habits calm your mental tension?
Excessive tension can become destructive if not managed.