Do not underestimate the human being, who sometimes appears so simple. Even with sight as sharp as an eagle, a mind as sharp as a razor, senses more powerful than gods, hearing that can catch the music and the lamentations of life, your knowledge of humanity will never be total.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the complexity of human beings and suggests that true understanding of humanity is elusive.
Pramoedya Ananta Toer's quote highlights the intricacies of human nature and cautions against underestimating people based on their superficial appearances. Despite having remarkable abilities and sharp perceptions, one cannot claim to fully comprehend the depths of humanity, as each individual carries their own stories, emotions, and complexities that go beyond mere observation.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the nature of empathy and understanding in psychology classes.
I will not close my eyes, neither those in my head nor those in my soul, as the ship carries me away, along with my future, my dreams, and my beliefs. Buru Island is no happy land somewhere; it's but a way station on my journey in life—though to believe even that much will require no small measure of hope.
Who I am is what fulfills me and fulfills the vision I have of the world.
One who is wise and disciplined, always kind and intelligent, humble and free from pride. One like this will be praised.
Strategic planning is worthless - unless there is first a strategic vision.
As from a large heap of flowers many garlands and wreaths are made, so by a mortal in this life there is much good work to be done.
The struggle ends when the gratitude begins. The search is over when the finding starts. And the finding is not a finding at all, but a creating. You cannot find what you have been struggling for, but you can create it. And the jump-start of creation is gratitude.
Keep the extent of your abilities unknown.The wise man does not allow his knowledge and abilities to be sounded to the bottom, if he desires to be honored at all. He allows you to know them but not to comprehend them. No one must know the extent of his abilities, lest he be disappointed. No one ever has an opportunity of fathoming him entirely. For guesses and doubts about the extent of his talents arouse more veneration than accurate knowledge of them, be they ever so great.
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