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Fairness is a concept that holds only in limited situations. Yet we want the concept to extend to everything, in and out of phase. From snails to hardware stores to married life. Maybe no one finds it, or even misses it, but fairness is like love. What is given has nothing to do with what we seek.
Haruki Murakami
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Fairness is not an absolute concept and varies across different situations, similar to love.

In this quote, Haruki Murakami reflects on the elusive nature of fairness, suggesting that while we desire it universally, it applies only in limited contexts. He parallels fairness with love, implying that what we give and receive in life often does not align with our expectations or desires, underscoring the complexity of human relationships and societal norms.

Themes

FairnessLoveRelationshipsLifeExpectations

In practice

Example use cases

During discussions on social justice, this quote can highlight the nuanced understanding of fairness.

More from Haruki Murakami

You are 27 or 28 right? It is very tough to live at that age. When nothing is sure. I have sympathy with you.
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Memories and thoughts age, just as people do. But certain thoughts can never age, and certain memories can never fade.
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I think you still love me, but we can’t escape the fact that I’m not enough for you. I knew this was going to happen. So I’m not blaming you for falling in love with another woman. I’m not angry, either. I should be, but I’m not. I just feel pain. A lot of pain. I thought I could imagine how much this would hurt, but I was wrong.
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Everybody burns out in this world; amateur, pro, it doesn't matter, they all burn out, they all get hurt, the OK guys and the not-OK guys both. That's why everybody takes out a little insurance. I've got some too, here at the bottom of the heap. That way, you manage to survive if you burn out. If you're all by yourself and don't belong anywhere, you go down once, and you're out. Finished.
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Life is so uncertain: you never know what could happen. One way to deal with that is to keep your pajamas washed.
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