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About this quote

What does it mean?
Modern society often pushes for uniformity, but true universality comes from the mind, not sacrificing individuality.
In plain terms
Don't lose yourself to make the world the same.
What can you take from it?
Preserve individuality while striving for universal understanding.

Where it applies

  • cultural assimilation
  • corporate culture
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • respect diverse viewpoints
  • avoid mass standardization
  • cultivate critical thinking

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance fitting in with standing out?
  • Is diversity threatened by modern efficiency?

Another view

Uniformity can sometimes be necessary for social cohesion or safety.

More from Rabindranath Tagore

  1. The significance which is in unity is an eternal wonder.

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  2. The touch of an infinite mystery passes over the trivial and the familiar, making it break out into ineffable music... The trees, the stars, and the blue hills…

    Permalink to quote #147
  3. The revilement of the infinite in the finite, which is the motive of all creation, is not seen in its perfection in the starry heavens, in the beauty of the fl…

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