There are two different ways of being a person. One of…
““There are two different ways of being a person. One of these precedes the change of heart, and the other follows it. The first is fearful, anxious, resentful, and alienated from other people; the second, open resonant with others, buoyant, straightforward, and secure. To the extent that we live the second way, we care about others. We do not see them merely in terms of our own interests, as helping or hindering us. They are real to us; we are as sensitive to their feelings and hopes and needs as we are to our own. On the other hand, when we feel alienated, we engross ourselves in our own agenda. We pursue wealth, power, personal perfection, pleasure, distraction, or some other protection from emotional pain. We divide people into two categories-- those who will help us in our self-seeking projects and those who won't, and the latter we fear or hate as our rivals or enemies. We use people or abuse them. We look at people guardedly and stand ready to resent them whenever they cross us. Their own hopes and needs aren't real to us.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People can live either self‑centered and fearful or open and caring; the latter arises when we recognize others’ real needs as our own.
In simple terms: Live open and caring, not selfish and fearful.
Key Takeaway
Choose empathy over self‑interest.
Themes
empathy
relationship
self‑awareness
community
ethics
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace teamwork
- community service
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
humanism
social connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you notice when you’re prioritizing self‑interest?
- What steps help you become more open to others?
A Different Perspective
Self‑centered attitudes can be deeply ingrained and hard to shift.