Many people find it easy to imagine unseen webs of malevolent conspiracy in the world, and they are not always wrong. But there is also an innocence that conspires to hold humanity together, and it is made of people who can never fully know the good that they have done.
Interpretation
Human beings often suspect hidden evil in the world, yet there exists a genuine goodness among people that connects humanity.
In this quote, Tracy Kidder highlights the dichotomy between the malevolent conspiracies that many people perceive and the unseen yet powerful forces of kindness and innocence that bind humanity together. Kidder suggests that while people are quick to imagine dark motives behind actions, there are countless acts of goodness done by individuals that may never be recognized or appreciated, showcasing a duality in human nature and social interactions.
In practice
During a speech on community service, this quote can inspire volunteers to recognize the impact of their efforts.
And I can imagine Farmer saying he doesn't care if no one else is willing to follow their example. He's still going to make these hikes, he'd insist, because if you say that seven hours is too long to walk for two families of patients, you're saying that their lives matter less than some others', and the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that's wrong with the world.
Culture hides much more than it reveals, and strangely enough, what it hides, it hides most effectively from its own participants.
The science of constructing a commonwealth or renovating it, or reforming it, is...not to be taught a priori...That which in the first instance is prejudicial may be excellent in its remoter operation, and its excellence may rise even from the ill effects it produces in the beginning. The reverse also happens; and very plausible schemes, with very pleasing commencements, have often shameful and lamentable conclusions.
Each thing that exists remains forever, and that very existence of existence is proof of its eternity. But without that realization, which is the knowledge of perfect being, man would never know whether there was existence or non-existence. If eternal existence is altered, then it must become more beautiful; and if it disappears, it must return with more sublime image; and if it sleeps, it must dream of a better awakening, for it is ever greater upon its rebirth.
They were still all beautiful and there was still enchantment and wonder, but she had crossed a line and now the fairy tale was green with corruption and evil.
Nothing has happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now.
I ask every Australian to think about what the constitutional exclusion says to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, to see our vast and inspiring history in this land not mentioned in the official picture like that.
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