Culture Quote by Ivan Bunin
““On the second and the third night there was again a ball -- this time in mid-ocean, during a furious storm sweeping over the ocean, which roared like a funeral mass and rolled up mountainous seas fringed with mourning silvery foam. The Devil, who from the rocks of Gibraltar, the stony gateway of two worlds, watched the ship vanish into night and storm, could hardly distinguish from behind the snow the innumerable fiery eyes of the ship. The Devil was as huge as a cliff, but the ship was even bigger, a many-storied, many-stacked giant, created by the arrogance of the New Man with his ancient heart.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Devil’s Ship, Ivan Bunin, 1915
A massive, arrogant vessel confronts a storm‑tossed sea, symbolizing human hubris against overwhelming natural forces.
In simple terms: A grand ship faces a fierce storm, reflecting pride versus nature.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of pride before confronting nature.
Themes
hubris
nature
storm
human ambition
mythic imagery
Mood
dramatic
poetic
Type
narrative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- sea voyage
- storm navigation
- leadership decisions
- ethical dilemmas
- historical context
Key Concepts
existential struggle
symbolic conflict
maritime metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the storm represent in your life?
- How can humility guide ambition?
A Different Perspective
Even a mighty ship can be dwarfed by nature’s power.
