Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
The ordinary man is involved in action, the hero acts. An immense difference.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the distinction between everyday actions and heroic actions, suggesting that true heroes go beyond ordinary involvement to take decisive, impactful action.
Henry Miller's quote highlights the significant difference between the behaviors of an ordinary person and a hero. While an ordinary individual may merely participate in actions without deeper intent or impact, a hero stands out by acting with purpose, courage, and conviction. This distinction prompts a reflection on the nature of action and the qualities that define true heroism, suggesting that heroism is marked not just by involvement, but by the courage to make a difference.
Themes
HeroismActionCourageDifferenceImpact
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote at a motivational seminar to inspire people to embrace their inner hero.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes βI saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Similar quotes
In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read
Fugitive slaves were rare then, and as a fugitive slave lecturer, I had the advantage of being the first one out.
Frederick DouglassRead
It would be very, very dangerous for a wire walker to experience fear while he is balancing on the wire. Fear has its place on earth, before and maybe after a high-wire walk, but not during for me.
Philippe PetitRead
The oppression of women knows no ethnic nor racial boundaries, true, but that does not mean it is identical within those boundaries.
Audre LordeRead
As long as gay people don't have their rights all across America, there's no reason for celebration.
Marsha P. JohnsonRead
I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted, and if the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me.
Harriet TubmanRead