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To know me is to love me. This cliche is popular for a reason, because most of us, I imagine, believe deep in our hearts that if anyone truly got to know us, they'd truly get to love us - or at least know why we're the way we are. The problem in life, maybe the central problem, is that so few people ever seem to have sufficient curiosity to do the job on us that we know we deserve.

Roger Ebert#59

LoveCuriosityLifeKnowledgeUnderstanding

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote reflects on the belief that being truly known leads to being loved, yet notes few people take the time to understand others deeply.
In plain terms
We think people would love us if they knew us, but they rarely try.
What can you take from it?
Deep understanding requires effort that few people invest.

Where it applies

  • personal relationships
  • self-reflection
  • social interactions

Putting it to work

  • cultivate curiosity about others
  • practice deep listening

Questions to consider

  • Do you feel known by those close to you?
  • How curious are you about others?

Another view

Not everyone wants to be fully known by everyone.

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