Many people find it easy to imagine unseen webs of malevolent conspiracy in the world, and they are not always wrong. But there is also an innocence that conspires to hold humanity together, and it is made of people who can never fully know the good that they have done.
Interpretation
Human beings often suspect hidden evil in the world, yet there exists a genuine goodness among people that connects humanity.
In this quote, Tracy Kidder highlights the dichotomy between the malevolent conspiracies that many people perceive and the unseen yet powerful forces of kindness and innocence that bind humanity together. Kidder suggests that while people are quick to imagine dark motives behind actions, there are countless acts of goodness done by individuals that may never be recognized or appreciated, showcasing a duality in human nature and social interactions.
In practice
During a speech on community service, this quote can inspire volunteers to recognize the impact of their efforts.
And I can imagine Farmer saying he doesn't care if no one else is willing to follow their example. He's still going to make these hikes, he'd insist, because if you say that seven hours is too long to walk for two families of patients, you're saying that their lives matter less than some others', and the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that's wrong with the world.
The touchstone of the Holy Spirit’s work in us is the answer to our Lord’s question: “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” Our Lord makes human destiny depend on that one thing, Who men say He is, because the revelation of Who Jesus is is only given by the Holy Spirit.
I consider the official Catholic attitude on divorce, birth control, and censorship exceedingly dangerous to mankind.
When his highness sends a ship to Egypt, does he trouble his head whether the mice on board are at their ease or not?
Listen, O drop, give yourself up without regret, and in exchange gain the Ocean. Listen, O drop, bestow upon yourself this honor, and in the arms of the Sea be secure. Who indeed should be so fortunate? An Ocean wooing a drop! In God's name, in God's name, sell and buy at once! Give a drop, and take this Sea full of pearls.
I want to live as long as possible, just to see how stupid it gets.
The aspiration toward freedom is the most essentially human of all human manifestations.
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