Closest friends Quote by Thornton Wilder
““She saw that the people of this world moved about in an armor of egotism, drunk with self-gazing, athirst for compliments, hearing little of what was said to them, unmoved by the accidents that befell their closest friends, in dread of all appeals that might interrupt their long communion with their own desires. These were the sons and daughters of Adam from Cathay to Peru.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Bridge of San Luis Rey, 1927
People are consumed by self‑interest, seeking validation and ignoring others' suffering, showing a universal egoism across cultures.
In simple terms: Self‑centeredness blinds us to others' pain.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy over ego.
Themes
egoism
validation
indifference
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- community building
- media consumption
Key Concepts
self‑absorption
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your self‑image affect your listening?
- What steps can you take to value others' experiences?
A Different Perspective
Ego can be a survival mechanism in competitive environments.
![“[Dona Maria] saw that the people of this world moved about in an armor of egotism, drunk with self-gazing, athirst for compliments, hearing little of what was said to them, unmoved by the accidents that befell their closest friends, in dread of all appeals that might interrupt their long communion…” quote by Thornton Wilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/955/thornton-wilder-1495_accidents_dona-maria-saw-that-the-people-of-this-w_2369283.jpg)
