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About this quote

What does it mean?
Self-observation alone limits understanding of others; true knowledge requires looking outward.
In plain terms
You cannot understand people only by watching yourself.
What can you take from it?
Learn about others to understand humanity.

Where it applies

  • relationships
  • leadership
  • psychology

Putting it to work

  • study others
  • look beyond yourself

Questions to consider

  • How do you learn about people?
  • What prevents you from seeing clearly?

Another view

Self-awareness is still necessary for complete understanding.

More from Bertolt Brecht

  1. With drooping shoulders The majority sit hunched, their foreheads furrowed like Stony ground that has been repeatedly ploughed-up to no purpose.

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  2. Play your part creatively in all the struggles Of men of your time, thereby Helping, with the seriousness of study and the cheerfulness of knowledge To turn th…

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  3. How long Do works endure? As long As they are not completed.

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