“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”
- 7th century BC to 5th century BC
- Indian
- Religious leader, thinker
- Founded Buddhism, taught people the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which showed the causes of suffering and how to resolve them, and spread the path of training aimed at inner liberation and enlightenment.
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Quote
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the importance of self-mastery over external triumphs. The idea is that conquering oneself—overcoming one’s own weaknesses, fears, desires, and impulses—brings a far greater sense of achievement and security than any external victory could. The victory gained through self-control and inner strength is unwavering, immune to external forces such as praise, criticism, or even existential challenges like heaven or hell.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied to the concept of emotional intelligence and mental resilience. In personal growth, the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions often leads to more sustainable success and peace of mind. For example, someone who learns to remain calm and composed in stressful situations has achieved a personal victory that is far more valuable than winning a physical battle. This inner peace is not easily disrupted by external circumstances, making it more enduring.
Historically, Buddha’s teachings often focused on inner transformation as the path to enlightenment. The pursuit of self-mastery was seen as a way to transcend worldly suffering and achieve lasting freedom. True victory, according to Buddhist thought, is not found in external accomplishments, but in the inner liberation from desire and ignorance, leading to a life of profound peace and contentment.
