To mature is in part to realize that while complete intimacy and omniscience and power cannot be had, self-transcendence, growth, and closeness to others are nevertheless within one's reach.
Interpretation
Maturity involves understanding that while we cannot have total control or knowledge, we can still achieve personal growth and meaningful connections with others.
This quote by Sissela Bok highlights the essence of maturity as the recognition of our limitations, acknowledging that complete knowledge, intimacy, and power are unattainable. Instead, true growth and closeness with others are achievable goals, emphasizing the importance of self-transcendence and the development of relationships as fundamental aspects of a fulfilling life.
In practice
In a discussion about personal development, one might say, 'As Sissela Bok pointed out, maturity is realizing our limitations while still seeking closeness with others.'
I believe that a guarantee of public access to government information is indispensable in the long run for any democratic society.... if officials make public only what they want citizens to know, then publicity becomes a sham and accountability meaningless.
Liars share with those they deceive the desire not to be deceived.
Trust is a social good to be protected just as much as the air we breathe or the water we drink. When it is damaged, the community as a whole suffers; and when it is destroyed, societies falter and collapse
Are people the best judges of their own happiness, or outsiders? In defining happiness, should we think of entire lives or of shorter periods such as moments, days, or years? And to what extent are virtue and happiness linked?
We are all, in a sense, experts on secrecy. From earliest childhood we feel its mystery and attraction. We know both the power it confers and the burden it imposes. We learn how it can delight, give breathing space and protect.
Secrecy is as indispensable to human beings as fire, and as greatly feared.
Well, I don't know as I want a lawyer to tell me what I cannot do. I hire him to tell how to do what I want to do.
Don't bring negative to my door.
Bracketing has turned all my experiences, remembered and present, into a gallery of miracles where I wander around dazzled by the beauty of events I cannot explain.
It's a fine thing to rise above pride, but you must have pride in order to do so.
An argument is made that there are just too many question marks about the near future; wouldn't it be better to wait until things clear up a bit? You know the prose: "Maintain buying reserves until current uncertainties are resolved," etc. Before reaching for that crutch, face up to two unpleasant facts: The future is never clear and you pay a very high price for a cheery consensus. Uncertainty actually is the friend of the buyer of long-term values.
Do not be too hard, lest you be broken; do not be too soft, lest you be squeezed.
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