Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding the suffering of others, even enemies, leads to greater insight and compassion.
This quote by Nhat Hanh emphasizes that true insight arises when we cultivate an understanding of the pain and struggles that others, including those we might see as adversaries, are experiencing. It suggests that recognizing the shared humanity and suffering of all individuals can foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of conflict.
Themes
EmpathyUnderstandingSufferingInsightCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about conflict resolution, I could use this quote to illustrate the importance of empathy.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
Nhat HanhRead
I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
Nhat HanhRead
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
Similar quotes
The highest goal that man can achieve is amazement.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Be patient, because the weaknesses of the body are given to us in this world by God for the salvation of the soul. So they are of great merit when they are borne patiently.
Francis Of AssisiRead
It is through the idealism of youth that man catches sight of truth, and in that idealism he possesses a wealth which he must never exchange for anything else.
Albert SchweitzerRead
Knowledge is a sacred cow, and my problem will be how we can milk her while keeping clear of her horns.
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
I thank God for my failures. Maybe not at the time but after some reflection. I never feel like a failure just because something I tried has failed.
Dolly PartonRead