Every lizard lies on its belly, so we cannot tell which has a belly-ache
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea that individuals often conceal their true struggles or pains from others, making it difficult to empathize with them.
Chinua Achebe's quote suggests that just as we cannot discern which lizard is suffering simply by observing them lying on their bellies, people too often hide their internal struggles and pains. This metaphor highlights the complexity of human relationships and the challenges we face in truly understanding one another's suffering, which can lead to misconceptions and lack of empathy. It calls for greater attention and sensitivity to the often hidden pain others may experience.
In practice
In a discussion about mental health, one might say, 'Remember, as Achebe said, every lizard lies on its belly, so it's crucial to check in with our friends regularly.'
In fact, I thought that Christianity was very a good and a very valuable thing for us. But after a while, I began to feel that the story that I was told about this religion wasn't perhaps completely whole, that something was left out.
Writers don't give prescriptions. They give headaches!
Mr. Brown had thought of nothing but numbers. He should have known that the kingdom of God did not depend on large crowds. Our Lord Himself stressed the importance of fewness. Narrow is the way and few the number. To fill the Lord's holy temple with an idolatrous crowd clamoring for signs was a folly of everlasting consequence. Our Lord used the whip only once in His life - to drive the crowd away from His church.
It is the storyteller who makes us what we are, who creates history. The storyteller creates the memory that the survivors must have - otherwise their surviving would have no meaning.
Writing has always been a serious business for me. I felt it was a moral obligation. A major concern of the time was the absence of the African voice. Being part of that dialogue meant not only sitting at the table but effectively telling the African story from an African perspective - in full earshot of the world.
An angry man is always a stupid man.
Every American ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated. This is not the case.
I ain't mad at anybody. I don't have any enemies.
All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy.
Canada and the United States have reached the point where we no longer think of each other as 'foreign' countries. We think of each other as friends, as peaceful and cooperative neighbors on a spacious and fruitful continent.
They say it's the white man I should fear, But it's my own kind doin' all the killin' here.
I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make my marriage vows mean what they say. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.