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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author admits to ignoring homeless or disconnected people by distracting himself with routine activities like reading and drinking coffee.
In plain terms
I ignored the people around me by reading my newspaper and drinking coffee instead of looking at them.
What can you take from it?
Routine can be used to avoid seeing uncomfortable realities.

Where it applies

  • walking past homeless people
  • using distractions
  • avoiding eye contact

Putting it to work

  • challenge your own indifference
  • pay attention to surroundings

Questions to consider

  • When do you choose not to see others?
  • What distractions do you use?

Another view

Distraction is a common human defense mechanism.

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