The kindly individual believes that all people are kindly and act accordingly. The plague individual believes that all people lie, swindle, steal and crave power. Clearly, then, the living is at a disadvantage and in danger.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If you assume everyone is kind, you act kindly; if you assume everyone is deceitful, you see life as dangerous.
- In plain terms
- Your belief about people's nature shapes how you experience the world.
- What can you take from it?
- Examine your assumptions about others to avoid unnecessary fear.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do your assumptions affect your behavior?
- Can you hold both kindness and caution?
Another view
People are mixed; extreme assumptions oversimplify reality.
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