How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I knew that if I forgot the disciplines again, it would be the end. With new determination, I promised myself, no seductive woman, donut, or piece of roasted cow flesh is going to benumb my will again. I'll master my impulses or die. (4.238)
Plenty of us know how difficult it is to stick to a diet. Dan has a pretty severe diet to follow, too (4.193). But he's persistent enough to make it happen. Over here, we are still stuffing donuts into our Shmoop-y mouths… when burgers are referred to as "roasted cow flesh" they kinda lose their appeal. How about you?
Quote #8
Too late I remembered that the purpose of his insults had always been to show me my own pride and resistance, and had taught me to persevere. (4.268)
Socrates' unique style of teaching is one of the most memorable aspects of the book. He constantly needles Dan, getting under his skin and otherwise making him uncomfortable—even with outright insults. Here Dan points out just how that teaching helped him. He was basically convinced he knew all the answers before he met Socrates, so the old man had to take him down several pegs and continue doing so.
Quote #9
"But this wasn't a test of your body; it was a test of your spirit—a test to see if you could push on—not just with the hill, but with your training. If you had stopped, it would have been the end. But you passed, Danny, you passed with flying colors." (5.78)
Dan's races with Joy serve as nice, concrete ways for the story to show how the guy perseveres in the face of difficulty. He run-run-run-run-run-runs and doesn't give up. Go peaceful warrior, go!