Socrates told us, "the unexamined life is not worth living." I think he's calling for curiosity, more than knowledge. In every human society at all times and at all levels, the curious are at the leading edge.
Roger EbertRead
I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Empathy is crucial for a civilized society, as it allows individuals to connect and understand one another.
In this quote, Roger Ebert emphasizes the importance of empathy as a fundamental characteristic of civilization. He suggests that the ability to understand and share the feelings of others is essential for fostering connections and maintaining a harmonious society. Empathy serves as a building block for compassion, cooperation, and ultimately, a more civilized existence where individuals respect and care for one another.
Themes
EmpathyCivilizationUnderstandingConnectionCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on social responsibility, one might quote this to emphasize the role of empathy in developing a better community.
More from Roger Ebert
All quotes βVincent Gallo has put a curse on my colon and a hex on my prostate. He called me a 'fat pig' in the New York Post and told the New York Observer I have 'the physique of a slave-trader.' He is angry at me because I said his 'The Brown Bunny' was the worst movie in the history of the Cannes Film Festival... _x000D_ it is true that I am fat, but one day I will be thin, and he will still be the director of 'The Brown Bunny.'
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I was born inside the movie of my life. The visuals were before me, the audio surrounded me, the plot unfolded inevitably but not necessarily. I don't remember how I got into the movie, but it continues to entertain me.
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Why do alcoholics begin down the same hazardous road day after day? They are in search of that elusive window of well-being that opens when you drink your way out of a hangover and aren't yet drunk all over again. The alcoholic's day consists of trying to keep that window open.
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There are no guarantees. But there is also nothing to fear. We come from oblivion when we are born. We return to oblivion when we die. The astonishing thing is this period of in-between.
Roger EbertRead
Parents and schools should place great emphasis on the idea that it is all right to be different. Racism and all the other 'isms' grow from primitive tribalism, the instinctive hostility against those of another tribe, race, religion, nationality, class or whatever. You are a lucky child if your parents taught you to accept diversity.
Roger EbertRead
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