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
The sisters and brothers that you meet give you the materials which your character uses to build itself. It is said that some people are born great, others achieve it, some have it thrust upon them. In truth, the ways in which your character is built have to do with all three of those. Those around you, those you choose, and those who choose you.
We all, sometimes, leave each other there under the skies, and we never understand why.
There are a hundred places where I fear To go, --so with his memory they brim! And entering with relief some quiet place Where never fell his foot or shone his face I say, 'There is no memory of him here!' And so stand stricken, so remembering him!
For women, the need and desire to nurture each other is not pathological but redemptive, and it is within that knowledge that our real power is rediscovered. It is this real connection, which is so feared by a patriarchal world.
Men impose deception on women and punish them for being deceived, force them down to the lowest level and punish them for falling so low, bind them in marriage and then chastise them with menial service for life, or insults, or blows.
We meet no ordinary people in our lives.