"We are all the foolishness and all the crimes we did. We're also all the kindnesses we did. I hate to think of life as if we understood time. We don't understand time"
- Hugh Leonard
About this Quote
In this quote by Hugh Leonard, the author reflects on the intricacy and duality of humanity, asserting that each person is a composite of their previous actions-- both the questionable and the good. Leonard suggests that human beings are naturally flawed, efficient in bad judgment and misdeed, which he refers to as "foolishness" and "crimes." Yet, these actions do not entirely specify an individual. Similarly, we are specified by our moments of benevolence and "generosities." Leonard acknowledges the coexistence of virtue and vice within us, highlighting that human identity is not monolithic however an amalgam of contradictions.
Additionally, Leonard challenges the traditional conception of time, expressing discomfort with the concept that life can be nicely comprehended through a temporal lens. His assertion, "I hate to think about life as if we understood time. We do not comprehend time," recommends that human existence can not be fully understood or measured merely in chronological terms. This concept implies that living is less about the direct passage of events and more about the experiences and options made at each minute. Leonard's viewpoint elevates the importance of inner reflection over the simple accounting of time passed.
This view encourages mindfulness, prompting us to focus on the aggregate of our actions and their effect instead of being bound by the constraints of time. By stating "we do not comprehend time," Leonard welcomes us to see life as a series of learning experiences, each adding to our development and self-awareness. In essence, the quote underscores the significance of embracing our complete history-- both light and dark aspects-- while acknowledging the complexity and secret of human life and its unfolding, beyond the limitations of standard time. Through this, Leonard supporters for a genuine and thoughtful self-appraisal and a conscious effort to balance our actions toward greater compassion.
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