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.
Fortunately, we have help from the media. I have to say this: I'm very grateful for the support and kindness that we've gotten. People have respected their privacy and in that way, I think, you know, no matter what people may feel about my husband's policies or what have you, they care about children and that's been good to see.
I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That's getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition.
Feeling we have to be constantly updated about the lives of our friends and that everything we say has to be out there leads to frustration, anger and jealousy much more than it leads to anything else.
When we have a trans woman playing a trans woman, then you see, 'Oh wait, this is what trans really is. This is what it looks like: a person.' That sends a message to trans kids that they are valid in their identities that they are allowed to exist.
Sex lies at the root of life, and we can never learn to reverence life until we know how to understand sex.
Do you ever wonder whether people would like you more or less if they could see inside you?
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