But that night as I drove back to Montreal, I at least discovered this: that there is no simple explanation for anything important any of us do, and that the human tragedy, or the human irony, consists in the necessity of living with the consequences of actions performed under the pressure of compulsions so obscure we do not and cannot understand them.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the complexity of human actions and the challenges of understanding their motivations and consequences.
Hugh Maclennan's quote delves into the intricate nature of human behavior, suggesting that our actions are often driven by obscure motivations that we may not fully comprehend. This lack of understanding leads to a human tragedy or irony, where individuals must confront the outcomes of their actions, despite not grasping the forces that compelled them. It highlights the mystery of human psychology and the burdens that come from our choices.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the unpredictability of life choices.
This is a crucial time in the fight for corporate civil rights. Just look at the hateful signs at Occupy Wallstreet: 'Corporations Are Not People!' Wow, I thought we were past the point in this country where some people aren't people just because they have different color skin or different religion or were born in a lawyer's office, only exist on paper, have no soul and can never die.
My only fear of death is reincarnation
Food prices are often kept artificially high. The result is that the Millennium Development Goals set out by the United Nations at the start of the new millennium are not being reached. Fine words have not yet been turned into deeds.
Passion is what gives sense to our life.
I am no longer the wave of consciousness thinking itself separated from the sea of cosmic consciousness. I am the ocean of Spirit that has become the wave of human life.
What we must understand is that the industries, processes, and inventions created by modern science can be used either to subjugate or liberate. The choice is up to us.
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