Ascent Quote by Nikos Kazantzakis
“What first truly stirred my soul was not fear or pain, nor was it pleasure or games; it was the yearning for freedom. I had to gain freedom-but from what, from whom? Little by little, in the course of time, I mounted freedom's rough unaccommodating ascent. To gain freedom first of all from the Turk, that was the initial step; after that, later, this new struggle began: to gain freedom from the inner Turk-from ignorance, malice and envy, from fear and laziness, from dazzling false ideas; and finally from idols, all of them, even the most revered and beloved.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Freedom and Death, 1955
Freedom is pursued first externally, then internally, confronting ignorance, malice, fear, and false idols.
In simple terms: First seek external freedom, then fight inner obstacles.
Key Takeaway
Combat both external oppression and inner vices.
Themes
freedom
self-improvement
struggle
inner conflict
liberation
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- social activism
- education reform
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal barriers block your sense of freedom?
- How can you confront false idols in modern life?
A Different Perspective
External liberation may not guarantee inner freedom; inner work is ongoing.
