That however the brains and abilities of men may differ, their stomachs are essentially the same.
Interpretation
Despite differences in intellect and talent, fundamental human needs and desires are universally shared.
This quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald emphasizes the commonality of human experience, suggesting that no matter how varied people's intellectual capabilities or talents may be, they all share similar basic needs and desires, particularly the need for sustenance. It invites us to reflect on our shared humanity, encouraging empathy and understanding among individuals who may seem different on the surface.
In practice
In a speech about diversity and community, one might reference this quote to highlight shared human experiences.
Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
Matter is spirit moving slowly enough to be seen.
Made as we were in the image of God we scarcely find it strange to take again our God as our All. God was our original habitat and our hearts cannot but feel at home when they enter again that ancient and beautiful abode.
God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, he cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with his grace and love. He makes us happy as only children can be happy.
To surrender to ignorance and call it God has always been premature, and it remains premature today.
In England I am not English, in India I am not Indian. I am chained to the 1,000 square miles that is Trinidad; but I will evade that fate yet.
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
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