Without strong communities, we cannot pull together during times of hardship. Our diversity turns from a source of strength to a source of conflict.
Vivek MurthyRead
I think sometimes in the focus on deep friendships and on romantic relationships, we can lose sight of how important the small connections we make are with strangers and with people that we may encounter for just a few seconds or a few minutes, whether it's the barista at our coffee shop or the stranger next to us on the subway.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Small connections with strangers can be just as meaningful as deep friendships and romantic relationships.
In this quote, Vivek Murthy emphasizes the significance of fleeting interactions we have with strangers in our daily lives. While many may prioritize deep friendships or romantic relationships, it is the small, seemingly trivial exchanges with others—like those with a barista or a stranger on public transport—that enrich our experiences and contribute to our sense of community and belonging.
Themes
ConnectionsRelationshipsStrangersFriendshipCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a discussion on the importance of community engagement.
More from Vivek Murthy
All quotes →One of the things that happens in our regular lives is that when we're in moments of pain or feeling alone, we may hesitate to reach out to others because we may think - they're not going through the same experiences I am.
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There's a tremendous sense of shame that people who are lonely feel. I say that as someone who felt ashamed of being lonely as a child and even at points during adulthood.
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What you quickly realize once you commit to getting more sleep is it can increase your productivity, it can improve your mood. And that doesn't just help you at work, but it helps you be the kind of person you want to be with your family and your friends and that's ultimately what matters most.
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I think that if we want to create a healthier country, we need to empower more people to make changes in their lives. But we also have to empower them to help change their environment.
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