What is the meaning of Nikos Kazantzakis’s Quote: “There are no ideas, there are only people who carry the ideas, and they get the height of those who carry them”?
Nikos Kazantzakis, a renowned Greek writer, poet, and philosopher, once said, “There are no ideas, there are only people who carry the ideas, and they get the height of those who carry them.” This quote has been interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it speaks to the significant role of individuals in shaping and carrying ideas. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this quote, its relevance in today’s world, and the importance of carrying ideas responsibly.
Kazantzakis was born in Crete, Greece, in 1883 and was widely known for his contributions to literature, philosophy, and politics. He wrote several novels, including “Zorba the Greek” and “The Last Temptation of Christ,” which were both adapted into films. Kazantzakis was deeply interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
The Nature of Ideas
They are not tangible objects
When we think of ideas, we often picture them as tangible objects that we can hold in our hands. However, Kazantzakis challenges this view. Ideas are not physical objects that can be touched or seen, but rather they are abstract concepts that exist only in our minds.
Product of human imagination
Kazantzakis’s quote suggests that ideas are a product of human imagination. They exist only because we conceive of them in our minds. Without the human imagination, they would not exist at all.
The Importance of People Who Carry Ideas
Ideas need people to give them life
While ideas may be born in the mind of a single individual, they need people to give them life. Without people who are willing to carry an idea forward, it will never be realized.
People who carry ideas can bring them to new heights
According to Kazantzakis, the people who carry ideas are the ones who give them height. This means that ideas can only reach their full potential if they are carried by individuals who are passionate about them and willing to do whatever it takes to see them come to fruition.
The value of ideas lies in their impact on people’s lives
Ultimately, the value of an idea lies in its impact on people’s lives. It is the people who carry the idea forward who have the power to make a difference in the world.