The truest test of independent judgment is being able to dislike someone who admires us, and to admire someone who dislikes us.
Interpretation
True independence of thought is reflected in our ability to value others based on their character, regardless of their feelings towards us.
This quote by Sydney J. Harris highlights the importance of independent judgment in social interactions. It suggests that genuine wisdom and self-awareness allow us to form opinions based on merit and character rather than being swayed by how others feel about us, illustrating a profound depth of understanding and objectivity in relationships. To truly appreciate someone who may not reciprocate our admiration, or to critique someone who does, reflects our ability to remain true to our values and beliefs.
In practice
In a speech on personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of moral integrity.
A person is either himself or not himself; is either rooted in his existence or is a fabrication; has either found his humanhood or is still playing with masks and roles and status symbols. And nobody is more aware of this difference (although unconsciously) than a child. Only an authentic person can evoke a good response in the core of the other person; only person is resonant to person.
We evaluate others with a Godlike justice, but we want them to evaluate us with a Godlike compassion.
The commonest fallacy among women is that simply having children makes them a mother - which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician.
Man's unique agony as a species consists in his perpetual conflict between the desire to stand out and the need to blend in.
"Terrorism" is what we call the violence of the weak, and we condemn it; "war" is what we call the violence of the strong, and we glorify it.
At it's highest level, the purpose of teaching is not to teachβit is to inspire the desire for learning. Once a student's mind is set on fire, it will find a way to provide its own fuel.
There really is no such thing as a sick child; there are children who happen to be sick. Think about it, and you will understand the magic of the Camps
The blacklist was a time of evil...no one on either side who survived it came through untouched by evil...[Looking] back on this time...it will do no good to search for villains or heroes or saints or devils because there were none; there were only victims.
This is the book I never read ~ These are the words I never said ~ This is the path I'll never tread ~ These are the dreams I'll dream instead
Not to be born is undoubtedly the best plan of all. Unfortunately, it is within no one's reach.
We must mirror God's love in the midst of a world full of hatred. We are the mirrrors of God's love, so we may show Jesus by our lives
Thus it is that "Some things are increased by being diminished, others are diminished by being increased." What others have taught, I also teach; verily, I will make it the root of my teaching.
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