“Like the bee, we distill poison from honey for our self-defense--what happens to the bee if it uses its sting is well known.”
Analysis
In this quote by Dag Hammarskjöld, the analogy of the bee is used to depict the idea of harnessing the negative aspects of life in a positive manner. The comparison of distilling poison from honey emphasizes the concept of transforming challenges and adversities into strengths and tools for self-protection. By refraining from using its sting, the bee avoids harming itself, highlighting the importance of using wisdom and restraint in times of conflict or difficulty. This quote serves as a reminder to approach adversity with resilience and to channel negativity into positive actions.
The Importance of Self-Defense
In today's world, the words of Dag Hammarskjöld about self-defense still hold true. Just like the bee, we must always be mindful of how we defend ourselves and ensure that our actions do not result in unnecessary harm or destruction. It serves as a reminder that we must always act with wisdom and restraint in our efforts to protect ourselves.
Understanding the analogy between bees and humans
In this quote by Dag Hammarskjöld, he compares humans to bees in their ability to distill poison from honey for self-defense. This analogy highlights the importance of using our resources wisely and not succumbing to destructive behavior.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote by Dag Hammarskjöld, consider the following questions:
- In what ways do you ensure your own self-defense or self-preservation in challenging situations?
- How can you identify and separate the "poison" from the "honey" in your own life?
- What are the potential consequences of using your "sting" (i.e., harmful actions or words) in self-defense?
- How can you better emulate the bee by choosing gentleness and resilience, even in times of difficulty or conflict?
Similar quotes
“And now you ask in your heart, ‘How shall we distinguish that which is good in pleasure from that which is not good?’Go to your fields and your gardens, and you shall learn that it is the pleasure of the bee to gather honey of the flower,But it is also the pleasure of the flower to yield its honey to the bee.For to the bee a flower is a fountain of life,And to the flower a bee is a messenger of love,And to both, bee and flower, the giving and the receiving of pleasure is a need and an ecstasy.*People of Orphalese, be in your pleasures like the flowers and the bees.”
“We think we can make honey without sharing in the fate of bees, but we are in truth nothing but poor bees, destined to accomplish our task and then die.”
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
“be like a bee and put your life into the sting!”
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see.”