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.
Everything's been said, but it needs saying again.
And it is not necessary to have great things to do. I turn my little omelette in the pan for the love of God.
We are dying from overthinking. We are slowly killing ourselves by thinking about everything. Think. Think. Think. You can never trust the human mind anyway. It's a death trap.
Perfectionism is self destructive simply because there's no such thing as perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal.
No wisdom that she may gain by experience and reflection hereafter, will compensate the loss of her present hilarity.
It is easy enough to be virtuous When nothing tempts you to stray; When without or within No voice of sin Is luring your soul away. But it is only a negative virtue until it is tried by fire. For the soul that is worth the treasures of the earth is the soul that resists desire.
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