Toga Quote by Meša Selimović
““A meni se čini da je strah najveća sramota ovog svijeta, i najveće poniženje čovjekovo. Izmahnut je nad njim, kao bič, uperen u grlo, kao nož. Čovjek je opkoljen strahom, kao plamenom, potopljen njime, kao vodom. Plaši ga sudbina, plaši ga sutrašnji dan, plaši ga vladajući zakon, plaši ga moćniji čovjek, i on nije ono što bi htio biti, već ono što mora da bude. Umiljava se sudbini, moli se sutrašnjem danu, poslušno ponavlja zakon, ponizno se smiješi mrskom moćnom čovjeku, pomiren da bude nakazna tvorevina sačinjena od straha i postajanja.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Dervish and Death by Meša Selimović, 1966
Fear dominates human existence, turning life into a painful, oppressive force that forces conformity and self‑deception.
In simple terms: Fear controls life and forces people to conform.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront fear to reclaim agency.
Themes
fear
oppression
conformity
existential dread
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political oppression
- personal crisis
- social conformity
- psychological self‑deception
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear shape your daily decisions?
- What would change if you acted without fear?
A Different Perspective
Fear can be a catalyst for growth if faced, not merely a source of paralysis.
