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Learning Quote by Ryszard Kapuściński

“It is the situation, the circumstances, the context, that decide whether we see a person as enemy or as partner at any given moment. The Other can be both of these, and that is the basis of his changeable, elusive nature, his contradictory behaviour, whose motives he himself is sometimes incapable…” quote by Ryszard Kapuściński
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““It is the situation, the circumstances, the context, that decide whether we see a person as enemy or as partner at any given moment. The Other can be both of these, and that is the basis of his changeable, elusive nature, his contradictory behaviour, whose motives he himself is sometimes incapable of understanding.””

Ryszard Kapuściński

About This Quote

Source Book: The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuściński, 1998

Perception of others shifts with context; the same person can be seen as foe or ally.

In simple terms: Context changes how we view people.

Key Takeaway

Consider context before judging.

Themes

politics identity perception

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • diplomacy
  • conflict resolution
  • team building
  • media analysis
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

relativism otherness psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What context changes your view of someone?
  • Can you see both sides of a conflict?
A Different Perspective

Oversimplifying can ignore deeper motives.

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