Learning to be silent is far more difficult and far more important than learning to recite prayers.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I Of ConstantinopleRead
Arrogance and fanaticism cause the hardening of positions taken and entrenchment can only lead to a dead end.
Interpretation
Arrogance and extreme beliefs can lead to inflexible thinking, resulting in unresolvable conflicts.
The quote warns against the dangers of arrogance and fanaticism, suggesting that such traits lead individuals and groups to become entrenched in their beliefs. This hardening of positions not only obstructs constructive dialogue but also ultimately results in a dead end where no resolution can be achieved, highlighting the importance of humility and open-mindedness in discussions and relationships.
In practice
In a debate about climate change, one could use this quote to emphasize the need for open dialogue rather than stubbornly holding to one view.
Learning to be silent is far more difficult and far more important than learning to recite prayers.
... the ecological problem of our times demands a radical reevaluation of how we see the entire world; it demands a different interpretation of matter and the world, a new attitude of humankind toward nature, and a new understanding of how we acquire and make use of our material goods.
Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.
Banality is like boredom: bored people are boring people, people who think that things are banal are themselves banal. Interesting people can find something interesting in all things.
You've got to bend with the wind or you're broken.
What I learned from Mel Brooks was audacity - in performance as in life. Maybe you go too far, but try it.
We must give up the vain idea of trying to please everybody. That is impossible, and the attempt is a mere waste of time. We must be content to walk in Christ's steps, and let the world say what it likes.
I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention.
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