Life never presents us with anything which may not be looked upon as a fresh starting point, no less than as a termination.
Andre GideRead
Are you then unable to recognize unless it has the same sound as yours?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions whether we can only understand ideas that align with our own perceptions and beliefs.
This quote by Andre Gide challenges us to reflect on our ability to comprehend concepts and viewpoints that differ from our own. It suggests that understanding is not merely about agreeing or hearing familiar sounds, but involves an openness to diverse opinions and perspectives, highlighting a philosophical inquiry into the nature of knowledge and recognition.
Themes
UnderstandingPerceptionKnowledgeOpennessTolerance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on cultural differences, this quote can remind us to appreciate diverse viewpoints.
More from Andre Gide
All quotes βDo not do what someone else could do as well as you. Do not say, do not write what someone else could say, could write as well as you. Care for nothing in yourself but what you feel exists nowhere else. And, out of yourself create, impatiently or patiently, the most irreplaceable of beings.
Andre GideRead
Old hands soil, it seems, whatever they caress, but they too have their beauty when they are joined in prayer. Young hands were made for caresses and the sheathing of love. It is a pity to make them join too soon.
Andre GideRead
Through fear of resembling one another, through horror of having to submit, through uncertainty as well, through skepticism and complexity, there is a multitude of individual little beliefs for the triumph of strange little individuals.
Andre GideRead
It is the special quality of love not to be able to remain stationary, to be obliged to increase under pain of diminishing.
Andre GideRead
It is with noble sentiments that bad literature gets written.
Andre GideRead
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