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.
Why does the past seem so magical, so fraught, so luminous? At the time it was just, ugh, another boring bloody day. But, to look back on, it's a day full of miracles and light and extraordinary events. Why is this? What process do we apply to the past, to give it this vividness? I don't know.
Atheists put on false courage and alacrity in the midst of their darkness and apprehensions, like children who, when they fear to go in the dark, will sing for fear.
Money doesn't mind if we say it's evil, it goes from strength to strength. It's a fiction, an addiction, and a tacit conspiracy.
We are citizens of the world. The tragedy of our times is that we do not know this.
My father was a man of great charity towards the poor, and compassion for the sick, and also for servants; so much so, that he never could be persuaded to keep slaves, for he pitied them so much: and a slave belonging to one of his brothers being once in his house, was treated by him with as much tenderness as his own children.
I always say that people should not rush to change religions. There is real value in finding the spiritual resources you need in your home religion.
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