However, no two people see the external world in exactly the same way. To every separate person a thing is what he thinks it is - in other words, not a thing, but a think.
Interpretation
People perceive the world differently based on their thoughts and experiences.
This quote by Penelope Fitzgerald emphasizes the subjective nature of perception, suggesting that individuals interpret events and objects based on their personal thoughts and experiences rather than an objective reality. It highlights that what we consider 'real' is often filtered through our unique perspectives, making understanding between people complex and nuanced.
In practice
This quote can serve as a reminder during team meetings to encourage understanding different viewpoints.
More than that, I believe that the grass is green because green is restful to the human eye, that the sky is blue to give us an idea of the infinite. And that blood is red so that murder will be more easily detected and criminals will be brought to justice. Yes, and I believe that I shall live forever, but I shall live without reason.
Experiences aren't given to us to be 'got over,' otherwise they would hardly be experiences.
I have remained true to my deepest convictions. I mean the courage of those who are born to be defeated, the weaknesses of the strong, and the tragedy of misunderstandings and missed opportunities, which I have done my best to treat as comedy—for otherwise how can we manage to bear it?
The world is always a democracy in times of flux, and the man with the best voice will win.
We cannot talk simultaneously about animal rights and the 'humane' slaughter of animals.
We are descended from a people whose government was founded on liberty; our glorious forefathers of Great Britain made liberty the foundation of everything. That country is become a great, mighty, and splendid nation; not because their government is strong and energetic, but, sir, because liberty is its direct end and foundation.
Like our bodies and like our desires, the machines we have devised are possessed of a heart which is slowly reduced to embers.
However strong, however imposing a ship may appear, it is not 'disgraced' because it flies before the tempest. A commander ought always to remember that a man's life is worth more than the mere satisfaction of his own pride. In any case, to be obstinate is blameable, and to be wilful is dangerous.
This was not guilt: guilt is what you feel when you have done something wrong. What I felt was shame: I was what was wrong.
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