To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.
Interpretation
Kindness surpasses correctness; listening is often more valuable than speaking intelligently.
This quote emphasizes the importance of kindness over the pursuit of being correct in discussions or debates. It suggests that true understanding and compassion come from listening to others with an open heart, rather than simply showcasing one's intellect or arguments. In essence, it highlights the value of emotional intelligence and connection in human interactions.
In practice
During a team meeting, you might share this quote to encourage a culture of listening over arguing.
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.
Always define WHAT you want to do with your life and WHAT you have to offer to the world, in terms of your favorite talents/gifts/skills-not in terms of a job-title.
The strongest of us are those that are spiritually strong, and a spiritual warrior is one of vulnerability.
There are two good things in life - freedom of thought and freedom of action.
Aim for brevity while avoiding jargon.
The Little Boy and the Old Man Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon." Said the old man, "I do that too." The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants." I do that too," laughed the little old man. Said the little boy, "I often cry." The old man nodded, "So do I." But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems Grown-ups don't pay attention to me." And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand. I know what you mean," said the little old man.
In vain I have looked for a single man capable of seeing his own faults and bringing the charge home against himself.
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