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About this quote

What does it mean?
Avoid treating unknown people as total strangers; recognize shared humanity.
In plain terms
Do not see people you don't know as completely alien to you.
What can you take from it?
Treat strangers with connection rather than distance.

Where it applies

  • urban life
  • travel
  • diverse communities

Putting it to work

  • greet strangers
  • learn names
  • assume shared value

Questions to consider

  • How do you treat strangers?
  • Who is a stranger to you?

Another view

Safety sometimes requires caution with unknown individuals.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. Truth has not special time of its own. Its hour is now - always and indeed then most truly when it seems unsuitable to actual circumstances.

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  2. Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him.

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  3. To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action…

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