The best reason for exposing oneself to foreign ways is to generate a sense of vitality and awareness - an interest in life which can come only when one lives through the shock of contrast and difference.
Edward T. HallRead
Culture hides much more than it reveals, and strangely enough, what it hides, it hides most effectively from its own participants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Culture can obscure important truths from those who are immersed in it.
This quote by Edward T. Hall emphasizes the idea that cultural norms and practices often conceal deeper truths about ourselves and our interactions. Ironically, those who are part of a culture may be the least aware of what is hidden beneath its surface, suggesting a need for critical reflection on the values and assumptions that shape our lives and perceptions.
Themes
CulturePerceptionTruthSocietyReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about cultural awareness, this quote could set the stage for discussing hidden biases.
More from Edward T. Hall
All quotes →The information is in the people, not in your head.
Edward T. HallRead
Culture hides more than it reveals, and strangely enough what it hides, it hides most effectively from its own participants.
Edward T. HallRead
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