Fly Too Close To The Sun Quote
“Fly too close to the sun” is a quote that has been used in various contexts throughout history. From Greek mythology to modern literature, this phrase has been used to describe the dangers of overreaching and the consequences of ignoring warning signs. In this article, we will explore the origins of this quote and its meaning in different contexts.
The Origin of the Quote
The phrase “fly too close to the sun” can be traced back to the story of Icarus in Greek mythology. According to the myth, Icarus and his father, Daedalus, were imprisoned in a labyrinth. Daedalus fashioned wings made of feathers and wax for himself and his son to escape. However, he warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun as the wax would melt and the wings would fall apart. Icarus, overcome with the thrill of flight, ignored his father’s warning and flew too close to the sun. His wings melted and he fell into the sea and drowned.
The Meaning of the Quote
The phrase “fly too close to the sun” is typically used to describe the consequences of overreaching or ignoring warning signs. It is often used as a cautionary tale against arrogance, recklessness, and overconfidence. The story of Icarus serves as a reminder that there are limits to what we can achieve and that we must be mindful of the risks involved in our actions.
The Quote in Literature
The phrase “fly too close to the sun” has been used in various literary works. In J.D. Salinger’s novel, “The Catcher in the Rye,” the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, uses the quote to describe his fear of growing up and facing the challenges of the world. In Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the quote is used to describe the dangers of rebellion and the consequences of pushing back against authority.
The Quote in Popular Culture
The phrase “fly too close to the sun” has also been used in popular culture. In the movie “Top Gun,” the character Maverick is warned not to fly too close to the enemy planes, as it could result in his death. In the song “Icarus” by Bastille, the lyrics describe the dangers of chasing after fame and fortune and the consequences of losing sight of what is truly important.
The Lesson of the Quote
The lesson of the quote “fly too close to the sun” is that there are limits to what we can achieve and that we must be mindful of the risks involved in our actions. We must be humble, cautious, and aware of the consequences of our choices. It is important to listen to the advice of others and to learn from our mistakes. By doing so, we can avoid the fate of Icarus and achieve our goals without putting ourselves in danger.
Conclusion
The phrase “fly too close to the sun” has been used in various contexts throughout history. From Greek mythology to modern literature, this quote has served as a cautionary tale against arrogance, recklessness, and overconfidence. Its lesson is one of humility, caution, and awareness of the risks involved in our actions. By heeding this advice, we can avoid the fate of Icarus and achieve our goals without putting ourselves in danger.