This, I thought, is how great visionaries and poets see everything- as if for the first time. Each morning they see a new world before their eyes; they do not really see it, they create it.
Nikos KazantzakisRead
A weak soul does not have the endurance to resist the flesh for very long. It grows heavy, becomes flesh itself, and the contest ends. But among responsible men, men who keep their eyes riveted day and night upon the Supreme Duty, the conflict between flesh and spirit breaks out mercilessly and may last until death.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the struggle between physical desires and spiritual commitments, emphasizing the importance of endurance and responsibility.
Nikos Kazantzakis reflects on the inherent conflict between the physical desires of the body (the flesh) and the higher spiritual duties that call for self-discipline and perseverance. He suggests that those who lack strength may succumb easily to their base instincts, while those who are dedicated to their spiritual responsibilities face a relentless battle between their earthly impulses and higher aspirations that can last a lifetime.
Themes
EnduranceSpiritConflictResponsibilityDesire
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth and resilience.
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The dual substance of Christ - the yearning, so human, so superhuman, of man to attain God. [...] has always been a deep inscrutable mystery to me. [...] My principle anguish and source of all my joys and sorrows from my youth onward has been the incessant, merciless battle between the spirit and the flesh. [...] And my soul is the arena where these two armies have clashed and met.
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I fight to embrace the entire circle of human activity to the full extent of my ability.
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When an almond tree became covered with blossoms in the heart of winter, all the trees around it began to jeer. 'What vanity,' they screamed, 'what insolence! Just think, it believes it can bring spring in this way!' The flowers of the almond tree blushed for shame. 'Forgive me, my sisters,' said the tree. 'I swear I did not want to blossom, but suddenly I felt a warm springtime breeze in my heart.
Nikos KazantzakisRead
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