In a family, what isn't spoken is what you listen for. But the noise of a family is to drown it out.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
The traditional family table is round. No corners. No sides. No head. No tail. Everything is smooth. The food is in the center, and each family member reaches over the same distance. Someone you love is next to you on each side, and no one is last or at the end. The person farthest away from you is also the person facing you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes equality and unity within the family structure, where everyone is valued equally.
Deng Ming-Dao's quote about the traditional family table illustrates the ideals of love, connection, and togetherness that characterize a cohesive family unit. By describing the table as round, it symbolizes that every family member has an equal place and importance, fostering an environment where love is shared equally without hierarchy. This image of a smooth table, devoid of corners and sides, reinforces the notion that family relationships are built on mutual respect, support, and closeness, ensuring no one feels isolated or neglected.
Themes
FamilyUnityLoveConnectionTogetherness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of family values during a community gathering.
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