but it is also true, if this brings her any consolation, that if, before every action, we were to begin weighing up the consequences, thinking about them in earnest, first the immediate consequences, then the probably, then the possible, then the imaginable ones, we should never move beyond the point where our first thought brought us to a halt.
Interpretation
Taking time to consider consequences can often lead to inaction.
The quote by José Saramago suggests that overanalyzing the potential consequences of our actions can paralyze us, preventing us from making decisions and moving forward. It highlights the importance of balancing reflection with action, as excessive contemplation can stifle initiative and progress.
In practice
In a motivational speech about taking risks and making decisions.
Why did we become blind, I don't know, perhaps one day we'll find out, Do you want me to tell you what I think, Yes, do, I don't think we did go blind, I think we are blind, Blind but seeing, Blind people who can see, but do not see.
I can't imagine myself outside any kind of social or political involvement. Yes, I'm a writer, but I live in this world, and my writing doesn't exist on a separate level. And if people know who I am and read my books, well, good; that way, if I have something more to say, then everyone benefits.
...you have to leave the island in order to see the island, that we can't see ourselves unless we become free of ourselves, Unless we escape from ourselves you mean, No, that's not the same thing.
Whether we like it or not, the one justification for the existence of all religions is death, they need death as much as we need bread to eat.
With the passage of time, as well as the social evolution and genetic exchange, we ended up putting our conscience in the color of our blood and the salt of our tears.
En ningún momento de la historia, en ningún lugar del planeta, las religiones han servido para que los seres humanos se acerquen unos a los otros. Por el contrario, sólo han servido para separar, para quemar, para torturar. No creo en dios, no lo necesito y además soy buena persona.
People only see what they are prepared to see.
The men and women who are truly filled with light are those who have gazed deeply into the darkness of their own imperfect existence.
It was actually a relief for me to play an actor who was scared, who didn't know where everything was, who didn't know what buttons to push, and for me to be able to play all that.
Our lives improve only when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.
Fools may our scorn, not envy, raise. For envy is a kind of praise.
Self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy.
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