
“What the United States does best is to understand itself. What it does worst is understand others.”
"To See Ourselves as Others See Us", in Time, June 16, 1986.
Source: Heart-Shaped Box
“What the United States does best is to understand itself. What it does worst is understand others.”
"To See Ourselves as Others See Us", in Time, June 16, 1986.
“I understand what they felt in Oklahoma City. I have no sympathy for them.”
Dead Man Talking http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/apr/22/mcveigh.usa, The Observer (April 22, 2001)
2000s
Source: Striking Thoughts (2000), p. 11
Traits and Trials of Early Life (1836)
“The resistance to the unpleasant situation is the root of suffering.”
DC Comics interview http://www.dccomics.com/features/vertigox/vaughan.html
“Seek to understand the root.”
It is futile to argue as to which single leaf, which design of branch, or which attractive flower you like; when you understand the root, you understand all its blossoming.
Source: Striking Thoughts (2000), p. 11
Quoted in News Brief http://www.jta.org/2003/10/15/archive/nobel-laureate-jose-saramago-said-the-jewish-people, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, October 15, 2003.
Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead: Diaries and Letters of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1929-1932 (1973), p. 3
Source: Gift from the Sea
Context: I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable. All these and other factors combined, if the circumstances are right, can teach and can lead to rebirth.
"Flower in the Crannied Wall" (1869)
Context: Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower — but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.