I believe in human beings, but my faith is without sentimentality. I know that in environments of uncertainty, fear, and hunger, the human being is dwarfed and shaped without his being aware of it, just as the plant struggling under a stone does not know its own condition. Only when the stone is removed can it spring up freely into the light. But the power to spring up is inherent, and only death puts an end to it. I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in human beings.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author expresses faith in human potential, acknowledging that harsh environments limit growth but the capacity to rise remains inherent until death.
- In plain terms
- People can grow freely if obstacles are removed, though fear and hunger often stop them.
- What can you take from it?
- Believe in human potential and remove barriers to help people grow.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What stops people from growing?
- Do you believe people are fundamentally good?
Another view
It assumes potential is the primary factor and ignores structural inequalities that persist.
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