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...there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love. There are shorter means, many of them. there is writing promoting social change, writing punishing injustice, writing in celebration of heroism, but always that base theme. Try to understand each other.

John Steinbeck#75

WritingKindnessUnderstandingEmpathy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Understanding each other leads to kindness, which is the foundation of writing and society.
In plain terms
If you understand people, you will love them and be kind to them.
What can you take from it?
Seek to understand others to foster kindness and reduce hate.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • writing
  • social change

Putting it to work

  • read to understand
  • listen deeply
  • write with empathy

Questions to consider

  • How does understanding change how you treat others?
  • What role does writing play in understanding?

Another view

Understanding does not always prevent conflict or hatred.

More from John Steinbeck

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  2. Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.

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  3. No one wants advice, only corroboration.

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