There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
When two people are together, they are not two but six: what each one is, what each one thinks he or she is, and what each one thinks the other is. And what is true for people is also true for countries and organisations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the complexity of interpersonal relationships, highlighting that each person brings multiple perspectives to a relationship.
Antonio Guterres' quote illustrates that when people interact, they don't simply merge their identities; rather, multiple perceptions and interpretations come into play. Each person's self-view, their view of the other, and the layers of their interaction create a rich, multifaceted dynamic, both in personal relationships and in broader contexts like nations and organizations. This complexity requires understanding and empathy to navigate effectively.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on team dynamics, this quote can illustrate the complexity of collaboration.
More from Antonio Guterres
All quotes →As a global society, we have the technology, resources and the know-how to make a massive difference to living standards everywhere, including for refugees.
The world's problems transcend borders.
Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Syria has become the great tragedy of this century - a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.
Similar quotes
When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.
The power of affinity lies in its mystery: the way it stands outside everything logical; you step into a crowded room and see a stranger, and somehow you feel you know her better than you know the friends you came with.
There is a reason why the other man thinks and acts as he does. Ferret out that reason — and you have the key to his actions, perhaps to his personality. Try honestly to put yourself in his place.
One of the ways we communicate that we can be trusted is in the way we care for other people.
There is a reason that many African Americans have a healthy mistrust for law enforcement. We don't always feel protected or served by that particular institution.
I do believe we're all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world. And I believe in taking care of each other.