"I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self"

Martin Luther's quote speaks with the power of the specific and the internal struggle that can be more daunting than any external force. He is suggesting that the best obstacle we face is within ourselves, and that our own hearts can be more daunting than any external authority. He is stating that the pope and his cardinals are not as effective as the internal struggle we confront with our own conscience. He is also recommending that the individual is the ultimate authority, and that we have the power to make our own choices and shape our own fate. He is stressing the value of self-reflection and the need to be aware of our own inner inspirations and desires. Eventually, Luther is suggesting that we must take duty for our own actions and be mindful of our own hearts.