To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore the external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse, that's quite a task
Etty HillesumRead
Each of us must turn inward and destroy in himself all that he thinks he ought to destroy in others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We must confront and eliminate our own negative traits rather than trying to change others.
Etty Hillesum's quote emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal responsibility. Instead of projecting our flaws onto others and seeking to change them, we should focus on our own growth and transformation, allowing us to cultivate a more compassionate and understanding perspective towards ourselves and those around us.
Themes
Self-ReflectionPersonal GrowthCompassionChangeResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, when discussing personal accountability.
More from Etty Hillesum
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The more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world.
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We have to fight them daily, lake fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.
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I think what weakens people most is fear of wasting their strength.
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I really see no other solution than to turn inwards and to root out all the rottenness there. I no longer believe that we can change anything in the world until we first change ourselves. And that seems to me the only lesson to be learned.
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