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Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
T. S. Eliot
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People often cause harm unintentionally while pursuing their own desire for significance.

T. S. Eliot's quote highlights a profound observation about human nature and behavior: many individuals inflict harm not out of malice, but rather from a selfish desire to be perceived as important. This tendency to prioritize one's own ego can lead to negative consequences in the lives of others, suggesting that the pursuit of self-importance can blind individuals to the impact of their actions on those around them.

Themes

HarmImportanceEgoHuman NatureUnintentional Harm

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the subtle ways people may hurt others, use this quote to illustrate your point about egoism.

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