Quote by Virginia Woolf
Once you begin to take yourself seriously as a leader or as a follower, as a modern or as a conservative, then you become a self-conscious, biting, and scratching little animal whose work is not of the slightest value or importance to anybody.
Summary
This quote highlights the importance of not taking oneself too seriously in roles such as a leader or follower, or in one's political or ideological beliefs. It suggests that when individuals become overly self-conscious and aggressive in attaining significance or proving their worth, their efforts lose value and cease to be meaningful to others. By emphasizing the negative traits of being "biting and scratching," the quote encourages humility, self-awareness, and recognizing that true importance lies in selflessness and genuine contributions to others, rather than in personal ego and ego-driven pursuits.