Skip to content

If one knows what is good for another person who in turn…

“If one knows what is good for another person who in turn is blind to it, then one must try to open his eyes. One has to leave him the last word, but one must talk to him, to him and not to someone else behind his back. لو يعرف الواحد ما هو الجيد لشخصٍ آخر هو في المقابل أعمى عن ذلك ، فلابدّ إذن من…” quote by Bernhard Schlink
Download Open image
““If one knows what is good for another person who in turn is blind to it, then one must try to open his eyes. One has to leave him the last word, but one must talk to him, to him and not to someone else behind his back. لو يعرف الواحد ما هو الجيد لشخصٍ آخر هو في المقابل أعمى عن ذلك ، فلابدّ إذن من محاولة أن يفتح له عينيّه ، ثم يترك له الكلمة الأخيرة، لكن على الواحد أن يتحدث إليه ، إليه فقط ، وليس إلى شخصٍ آخرٍ من وراء ظهره.””

Bernhard Schlink

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Try to help those who cannot see their own good, speaking directly and leaving them agency.

In simple terms: Help others see their good directly.

Key Takeaway

Speak directly, respect autonomy.

Themes

empathy communication ethics autonomy

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • mentoring
  • conflict resolution
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

moral responsibility dialogue trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is direct help appropriate?
  • How to balance guidance and autonomy?
A Different Perspective

May be seen as paternalistic if misapplied.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bernhard Schlink

Explore all 104 Bernhard Schlink quotes

More Advice quotes

Browse all 8,535 Advice quotes