Abasement, degradation is ...

Abasement, degradation is simply the manner of life of the man who has refused to be what it is his duty to be.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset

Quotes from the same author

In order to master the unruly torrent of life the learned man meditates, the poet quivers, and the political hero erects the fortress of his will.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
If the human intellect functions, it is actually in order to solve the problems which the man's inner destiny sets it.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
In these years we are witnessing the gigantic spectacle of innumerable human lives wandering about lost in their own labyrinths, through not having anything to which to give themselves.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
We cannot put off living until we are ready. The most salient characteristic of life is its urgency, 'here and now' without any possible postponement. Life is fired at us point-blank.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
The individual point of view is the only point of view from which one is able to look at the world in its truth.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset