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About this quote

What does it mean?
Understanding others suffering can reduce anger towards them.
In plain terms
If we knew enemies hardships, we would be less hostile.
What can you take from it?
Empathy reduces hostility.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • personal disputes

Putting it to work

  • listen to others
  • perspective taking

Questions to consider

  • Whose struggles might you not know?

Another view

Some actions harm regardless of intent.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. What we need is not the will to believe, but the wish to find out.

    Permalink to quote #201
  2. Just for a handful of silver he left us, Just for a riband to stick in his coat.

    Permalink to quote #203
  3. We take no note of time but from its loss.

    Permalink to quote #200

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