proverb · Legacy record
The greatest hero is one who has control over his desires.
The greatest hero is one who has control over his desires.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Control over desires described as the greatest heroism places restraint above outward feats. The saying values agency in responding to wants.
What the words are saying
A responsible interpretation distinguishes considering an impulse from suppressing every need or feeling. Greatest is a value judgment rather than a measured ranking. Constraints and support affect choices, and difficulty regulating a desire does not establish low worth.
Everyday example
Someone pauses to consider an impulse and chooses a response that fits their responsibilities.
When to use it
Use it to discuss considered responses without condemning ordinary needs.
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What it does not mean
No universal hero ranking or requirement to eliminate desire is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
India
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 365; PDF page 36; collection label: India
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- India