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"Veo las cosas desde lejos, nunca el significado."

Fernando Pessoa
Fernando Pessoa Poet
Translations
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Quote meaning
Alright, let’s break this down like we’re just chatting over coffee. When someone says they see things from a distance but never the meaning, what they're really getting at is that they’re observing life or situations without really understanding the deeper significance. It’s like looking at a painting from across the room—you see the colors and shapes, but not the brushstrokes or the emotions behind it.

Think back to the Renaissance period when artists started focusing on perspective in their artwork. They were all about the angles and how things looked from afar. But imagine if they never zoomed in to add the details—the expressions on faces, the texture of the fabric. The paintings would be pretty but lifeless. This quote is kinda like a call to not just look at the big picture, but to get up close and understand the grit and nuances.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Remember the story of "The Blind Men and the Elephant"? Each man touched a different part of the elephant and thought they understood what an elephant was—a wall, a snake, a tree trunk—but none of them actually saw the whole picture. They were "seeing" from a distance, not really grasping the true essence of the elephant. That’s what happens when we don’t dig deeper into situations or people’s feelings.

So, how can you apply this little nugget of wisdom to your own life? Simple. Next time you’re in a conversation, don’t just hear the words—listen to the emotions behind them. Are they happy, stressed, excited? Ask questions. Dig deeper. If you’re reading a book, don’t just skim the surface story—think about the themes and the characters’ motivations. It’s all about diving in instead of staying on the shore.

Imagine you’re at a party. You spot a friend across the room looking kinda down. If you just see from a distance, you might think, “Oh, they’re just tired.” But if you walk over, ask how they’re doing, and really listen, you might find out they had a rough day at work or they’re going through something personal. By getting closer, you understand the meaning behind their expression.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture a young woman named Sarah. She’s just started a new job and is struggling with her workload. Her manager, Tom, sees her from a distance and thinks she’s handling things well because she’s not complaining. He doesn’t see the late nights she’s putting in or the stress she's under. One day, Tom decides to have a quick chat with Sarah. He learns she’s overwhelmed and needs some guidance. By closing that distance, he understands her struggles and can offer help, making the workplace better for both of them.

So, next time you’re tempted to stay at a distance, take that step closer. You’ll find that understanding the meaning behind what you see can transform your relationships and experiences. It’s like turning a blurry picture into HD—everything becomes clearer and more meaningful. And who doesn’t want that, right?
Related tags
Contemplation Detachment Distance Introspection Meaning Observation Perception Perspective Philosophy Understanding
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