Being human Quote by Robert J. Waldinger
“Being human means there's a wall-builder in each of us. Our minds naturally divide the world into me and not-me, us and them. For thousands of years, our sages have taught that we're all one, yet we still divide wherever we look.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Study of Happiness, 2020
People instinctively create divisions, yet wisdom traditions teach unity; recognizing this tension can foster empathy and social harmony.
In simple terms: We tend to separate ourselves from others, but we are all connected.
Key Takeaway
Practice seeing others as part of yourself.
Themes
human nature
division
unity
empathy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- teamwork
- conflict resolution
- community building
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
social cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal biases create your divisions?
- How can you act to bridge them?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated mental habits is difficult.
