“Man alone is made in the image of God. That some of us do not recognize that status of ours, makes no difference, except that we do not get the benefit of the status, even as a lion brought up in the company of sheep may not know his own status, and therefore does not receive its benefits. But it belongs to him, nevertheless, and the moment he realizes it, he begins to exercise his dominion over the sheep. But no sheep masquerading as a lion can ever attain the leonine status.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: 'The Way to God: Selected Writings from Mahatma Gandhi' (compilation ed. M.S. Deshpande); reflects Gandhi's spiritual writing on man made in God's image.
About this quote
The image is of a lion raised among sheep who never claims his own strength. Your capacity doesn't vanish because you fail to recognize it, but you get none of its benefit until you do. And posturing is no substitute for the real thing—borrowed confidence never becomes the genuine article.
When to use it
- A capable junior underrates herself for years until one project shows her what she can actually do.
- A shy speaker discovers, once forced onto the stage, that the fear was hiding real ability.
- Someone raised to expect little finally attempts the harder job and finds he belongs there.