Spannungsbogen

February 10, 2017 Jerry King Comments 2 comments

It is possible to act well
in spite of one’s difficulties and apprehensions,
a reserve of spiritual power becomes manifest,
and may be accessed and drawn upon.

The Fremen were supreme in that quality the ancients called “spannungsbogen” – which is the self-imposed delay between desire for a thing and the act of reaching out to grasp that thing. — Frank Herbert, Dune

Strength comes from resistance. Spiritual strength is developed only from self-control and self-denial – denial of the lower man, of fear and self-pity and self-indulgence.

Thanks to Elberry’s Ghost for these fine words.

[German] “Spannungsbogen“, lit. “the span of the bow”. The self-imposed delay between desiring something and taking action to acquire it.