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Just as you have the instinctive natural desire to be…

“Just as you have the instinctive natural desire to be happy and overcome suffering, so do all sentient beings; just as you have the right to fulfill this innate aspiration, so do all sentient beings. So on what exact grounds do you discriminate?” quote by Dalai Lama
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“Just as you have the instinctive natural desire to be happy and overcome suffering, so do all sentient beings; just as you have the right to fulfill this innate aspiration, so do all sentient beings. So on what exact grounds do you discriminate?”

Dalai Lama

About This Quote

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

All sentient beings share an innate desire for happiness and a right to pursue it; discrimination lacks moral basis.

In simple terms: Everyone wants happiness and the right to seek it.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shared humanity and avoid discrimination.

Themes

compassion equality rights

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy making
  • interpersonal conflict resolution
  • community building

Key Concepts

moral philosophy human rights interdependence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions underlie your judgments?
  • How can you act on this insight daily?
A Different Perspective

Discrimination can be justified by cultural or legal norms, complicating universal application.

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