Who can attain to anything ...

Who can attain to anything great if he does not feel in himself the force and will to inflict great pain? The ability to suffer is a small matter: in that line, weak women and even slaves often attain masterliness. But not to perish from internal distress and doubt when one inflicts great suffering and hears the cry of it that is great, that belongs to greatness.
Who can attain to anything great if he does not feel in himself the force and will to inflict great pain? The ability to suffer is a small matter: in that line, weak women and even slaves often attain masterliness. But not to perish from internal distress and doubt when one inflicts great suffering and hears the cry of it that is great, that belongs to greatness.

Quotes from the same author

Rejoicing in our joy, not suffering over our suffering, makes someone a friend.
You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.
Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes.
We love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving.
The man of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies but also to hate his friends.