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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.
Antonio Guterres
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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

RelationshipsPerspectivesUnderstandingIdentityCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop on team dynamics, this quote can illustrate the complexity of collaboration.

More from Antonio Guterres

There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
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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.
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The world's problems transcend borders.
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Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
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The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
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Syria has become the great tragedy of this century - a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.
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