Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference.
John WoodenRead
How many of us have conflicts with someone else- and how many of us pray for that person? We have individuals with whom we are competitive, or whom we dislike or have a quarrel with; but very few of us have true enemies in the martial sense. And yet if Lincoln could pray fervently- and contemporary reports indicate he did- for the people who were opposing him, how much more can we do for someone we just find a little irritating?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding towards those we may not get along with.
John Wooden compares our conflicts with others to those faced by Abraham Lincoln, who, despite his political opposition, prayed for his adversaries. The quote encourages us to recognize that while we may have minor grievances with some people, we can cultivate a spirit of empathy and forgiveness, just as Lincoln did, rather than holding onto animosity.
Themes
CompassionForgivenessEmpathyRelationshipsUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting where tensions are high, this quote can be shared to encourage cooperation and support.
More from John Wooden
All quotes →Adaptability is being able to adjust to any situation at any given time.
John WoodenRead
I think you have to be what you are. Don't try to be somebody else. You have to be yourself at all times.
John WoodenRead
Your energy and enjoyment, drive and dedication will stimulate and greatly inspire others.
John WoodenRead
A leader’s most powerful ally is his or her own example.
John WoodenRead
The most important thing in the world is family and love.
John WoodenRead
Similar quotes
I've had moments when I've thought about somebody, picked up the phone to call them and they are on the line already, and I think that maybe there's some vibration, some connection.
Clint EastwoodRead
Every now and then she looked around for tangible evidence of his having ever been there. Where were the butterflies? the blueberries? the whistling reed? She could find nothing, for he had left nothing but his stunning absence.
Toni MorrisonRead
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
Leo BuscagliaRead
Domestic violence does not only happen to adults. Forty percent of girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend, and approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and sexually abused by a dating partner.
Dianne FeinsteinRead
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
The first internal relation that is essential to a secret society is the reciprocal confidence of its members.
Georg SimmelRead