Neighbor, n. One whom we are commanded to love as ourselves, and who does all he knows how to make us disobedient.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The concept of a neighbor is framed as someone we are morally obligated to love, yet who often tests our ability to follow that command.
- In plain terms
- We must love our neighbors, but they often make it hard.
- What can you take from it?
- Moral duties to others are often challenged by human behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who makes it hard to follow the golden rule?
- Is love a duty or a feeling?
Another view
It oversimplifies neighborly dynamics by assuming universal obstruction.
More from Ambrose Bierce
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