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We never see other people anyway, only the monsters we make of them.
Colson Whitehead
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that our perceptions of others are often distorted by our own fears and prejudices.

Colson Whitehead's quote emphasizes that the way we view other people is heavily influenced by our internal narratives and biases. Instead of seeing individuals as they truly are, we often project our fears, insecurities, and misconceptions onto them, transforming them into 'monsters' in our minds. This speaks to the importance of empathy and understanding, urging us to confront our own perceptions to see others more clearly.

Themes

PerceptionFearMonstersUnderstandingEmpathy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about empathy and understanding, this quote could serve as a powerful reminder of our biases.

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Quote by Colson Whitehead | QuoteProject