"It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor"

This quote by Eric Hoffer speaks with the difficulty of loving those closest to us. It is much easier to enjoy mankind as an entire, as we can distance ourselves from the private struggles and successes of each person. We can feel a sense of empathy and understanding for the collective, however when it concerns our next-door neighbor, we are frequently faced with a more intricate relationship. We may not constantly concur with our next-door neighbor's beliefs or lifestyle, and this can make it challenging to enjoy them unconditionally. Caring our neighbor requires us to look beyond our distinctions and accept them for who they are. It is an obstacle, but one that can bring us closer together and produce a stronger sense of community.