For what can be more noble than to slay oneself? Not literally. Not with a blade in the guts. But to extinguish the selfish self within, that part which looks only to its own preservation, to save its own skin. That, I saw, was the victory you Spartans had gained over yourselves. That was the glue. It was what you had learned and it made me stay, to learn it too.
Interpretation
The quote speaks about overcoming selfishness and self-preservation to achieve a greater sense of purpose and unity.
Pressfield reflects on the concept of self-sacrifice, not in the literal sense, but as a figurative act of overcoming one's selfish tendencies. He admires the Spartans for their ability to conquer their own egos and personal desires, achieving a collective strength that leads to true victory and personal growth, inspiring him to pursue the same path of selflessness.
In practice
In a motivational speech about teamwork, one could say, 'Let's learn to extinguish our selfish selves for the greater good, just like the Spartans did.'
Late at night have you experienced a vision of the person you might become, the work you could accomplish, the realized being you were meant to be? Are you a writer who doesn't write, a painter who doesn't paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is.
It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior's life.
The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.
When we sit down day after day and keep grinding, something mysterious starts to happen... Unseen forces enlist in our cause; serendipity reinforces our purpose.
You know, Hitler wanted to be an artist. At eighteen he took his inheritance, seven hundred kronen, and moved to Vienna to live and study... Ever see one of his paintings? Neither have I. Resistance beat him. Call it overstatement but I'll say it anyway: it was easier for Hitler to start World War II than it was for him to face a blank square of canvas.
It’s better to be in the arena, getting stomped by the bull, than to be up in the stands or out in the parking lot.
It is not a disgrace to fail. Failing is one of the greatest arts in the world.
Actions are but lifeless forms whose soul is the secret of sincerity in them
Ask yourself: if I were a Chinese spy, why wouldn't I have flown directly into Beijing? I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.
If wisdom were offered me with this restriction, that I should keep it close and not communicate it, I would refuse the gift.
To put away one's own original thoughts in order to take up a book is a sin against the Holy Ghost.
The important thing is to know how to take all things quietly.
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