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Details Quote by Swami Vivekananda

“We came to enjoy; we are being enjoyed. We came to rule; we are being ruled. We came to work; we are being worked. All the time, we find that. And this comes into every detail of our life.” quote by Swami Vivekananda
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“We came to enjoy; we are being enjoyed. We came to rule; we are being ruled. We came to work; we are being worked. All the time, we find that. And this comes into every detail of our life.”

Swami Vivekananda

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Parliament of the World's Religions, 1893

Human existence is a reciprocal exchange of being and being acted upon, revealing power dynamics in all aspects of life.

In simple terms: We both give and receive, rule and be ruled, work and be worked.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance mutual influence in relationships.

Themes

power reciprocity agency balance society

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace
  • political systems
  • family life
  • community engagement

Key Concepts

philosophy social dynamics interdependence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you experience being both giver and receiver?
  • What structures reinforce these reciprocal roles?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook individual autonomy and resistance to oppression.

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