I thought that a man can be an enemy of other men, of the moments of other men, but not of a country: not of fireflies, words, gardens, streams of water, sunsets.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- One can oppose individuals or specific moments, but not abstract concepts like nature or beauty.
- In plain terms
- You can fight people, but not the simple beauties of life.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect the universal elements of existence that transcend human conflict.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you refuse to hate?
- Is patriotism a form of hate?
Another view
Nations can still be enemies in practical geopolitical terms.
More from Jorge Luis Borges
I thought of a labyrinth of labyrinths, of one sinuous spreading labyrinth that would encompass the past and the future and in some way involve the stars.
Permalink to quote #70 A labyrinth of symbols... An invisible labyrinth of time.
Permalink to quote #72 I foresee that man will resign himself each day to more atrocious undertakings; soon there will be no one but warriors and brigands; I give them this counsel: …
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