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What they forget is that, from Ancient Greece on, the people who returned from battle were either dead on their shields or stronger, despite and because of their scars.
Paulo Coelho
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes that those who survive battles come back either dead or stronger for having endured pain and struggle.

Paulo Coelho's quote reflects on the enduring nature of human resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It suggests that, historically, warriors who returned from battles were not merely victors but also individuals marked by their experiences, embodying both the trauma of loss and the strength gained from overcoming challenges. The scars they carry symbolize the lessons learned and the personal growth achieved through hardship.

Themes

ResilienceStrengthScarsAdversityBattle

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.

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