Today, we need a Church capable of walking at people's side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.
Pope FrancisRead
Why is erasing desire seen as so important? If the subjugation of the self is the point of the self what's the point in having a self? It's like someone handing you a leaflet which says throw this leaflet away.
Interpretation
The quote questions the value of erasing desire and the purpose of self-identity.
Tibor Fischer's quote explores the paradox of self-subjugation and desire, suggesting that if the aim is to diminish the self, it raises the fundamental question of what purpose the self serves. It critiques the notion that self-denial is necessary for personal growth or enlightenment, using a metaphor about being given a leaflet instructing you to discard it, highlighting the absurdity of negating one's own identity.
In practice
In a discussion about personal growth, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of embracing rather than erasing desires.
Today, we need a Church capable of walking at people's side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.
The wake doesn't drive the ship
We have all, at one time or another, been performers, and many of us still are - politicians, playboys, cardinals and kings.
... you cannot make a man clean [simply] by washing his shirt.
There is enough for everyone. People think that there isn't enough, so they get as much as they can, so many people don't have enough.
Sadness gives depth. Happiness gives height. Sadness gives roots. Happiness gives branches. Happiness is like a tree going into the sky, and sadness is like the roots going down into the womb of the earth. Both are needed, and the higher a tree goes, the deeper it goes, simultaneously. The bigger the tree, the bigger will be its roots. In fact, it is always in proportion. That's its balance.
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