Tragedy is not what men suffer but what they miss.
Abba EbanRead
Playing the game I have learned the meaning of humility. It has given me an understanding of futility of the human effort.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the lessons of humility and the limitations of human effort.
Abba Eban emphasizes the idea that through the experiences of life, particularly in the context of competition or struggle, one can learn the importance of humility. He suggests that despite our best endeavors, there is a recognition that human effort can often be futile, reminding us of our limitations and the value of humility in the face of life's challenges.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech to remind people about the importance of humility.
Tragedy is not what men suffer but what they miss.
Nobody does Israel any service by proclaiming its 'right to exist.' Israel's right to exist, like that of the United States, Saudi Arabia and 152 other states, is axiomatic and unreserved. Israel's legitimacy is not suspended in midair awaiting acknowledgement.... There is certainly no other state, big or small, young or old, that would consider mere recognition of its 'right to exist' a favor, or a negotiable concession.
A nation writes its history in the image of its ideal.
It is our experience that political leaders do not always mean the opposite of what they say.
A statesman who keeps his ear permanently glued to the ground will have neither elegance of posture nor flexibility of movement.
Consensus is what many people say in chorus but do not believe as individuals.
I have been speculating last night what makes a man a discoverer of undiscovered things. As far as I can conjecture the art consists in habitually searching for the causes and meaning of everything which occurs.
Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air. It is the heritage of all.
The point is not how long you meditate; the point is whether the practice actually brings you to a certain state of mindfulness and presence, where you are a little open and able to connect with your heart essence. And five minutes of wakeful sitting practice is of far greater value than twenty minutes of dozing!
An ad hominem attack against an individual, not against an idea, is highly flattering. It indicates that the person does not have anything intelligent to say about your message.
Past certain ages or certain wisdoms it is very difficult to look with wonder; it is best done when one is a child; after that, and if you are lucky, you will find a bridge of childhood and walk across it.
I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant loosing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.
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