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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sleepwalkers represent people who act without awareness or intent, which can be hazardous. Their unconscious actions pose risks to themselves and others.
In plain terms
People acting without awareness are dangerous.
What can you take from it?
Be aware of those acting unconsciously in shared spaces.

Where it applies

  • public safety
  • workplace
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • staying alert
  • encouraging mindfulness

Questions to consider

  • Are you acting on autopilot?
  • How aware are those around you?

Another view

The metaphor might overlook systemic issues causing unconscious behavior.

More from Ralph Ellison

  1. The understanding of art depends finally upon one's willingness to extend one's humanity and one's knowledge of human life.

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. There must be possible a fiction which, leaving sociology and case histories to the scientists, can arrive at the truth about the human condition, here and now…

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. The end is in the beginning and lies far ahead.

    Permalink to quote #17

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