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"Notre ignorance nous a permis de vivre comme vous êtes en exil et savez que vous êtes en compétition à l'intérieur du monde et contre le monde sans recours à la perspective ou à la médiation"

Primo Levi
Primo Levi Author
Translations
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Quote meaning
The core of this quote is about how our lack of knowledge or awareness often enables us to persist—sometimes even thrive—in challenging situations. It's like living in a state of exile, where you're constantly battling both within yourself and against external forces. You don't have a clear viewpoint or any buffer to help you navigate these challenges, yet this very ignorance can be what keeps you going.

So, why did someone say this? Imagine living in a time or situation where you're so entrenched in your struggles that you don't have the luxury of stepping back and seeing the bigger picture. Maybe you're always in survival mode, or perhaps the constant battle becomes your normal. This quote reflects the reality of those who are exiled, isolated, or simply too caught up in the grind to gain perspective or seek mediation.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Picture a young entrepreneur who’s just started their own business. They’re competing in a fierce market, maybe even in a new country where they don’t know the language or customs well—a kind of modern-day exile. They’re up against established brands (the world) and their own self-doubt (inside the world). They don’t have the time or the resources to seek out mentors or take a step back to see things from a different perspective. They’re just doing what they think they need to do to survive. Sometimes, it's that very ignorance—of the odds, of the potential for failure—that keeps them pushing through barriers others might not even attempt.

How can we apply this wisdom to our own lives? First, recognize that sometimes not knowing everything can be a blessing. It can keep us from overthinking and paralyzing ourselves with doubt. If you find yourself in a tough spot, accept that you might not have all the answers and that’s okay. Focus on the fight—both inside and outside. Embrace the struggle as part of your journey.

Now, let’s bring this to life with a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re trying to learn a new skill—say, playing the guitar. You’ve watched a few YouTube videos, but you haven’t taken any formal lessons. Every time you sit down to practice, you’re battling your own frustration and impatience (inside the world) and the daunting complexity of the instrument (the world). You don’t have a music teacher giving you structured lessons (mediation) or a clear path to success (perspective). But your ignorance of how hard it can be to master the guitar is what keeps you going. You don’t know that most beginners give up within the first six months. You just keep strumming, figuring it out as you go, and slowly, you start to improve without even realizing it.

To sum it up, this quote reminds us that sometimes, ignorance is not just bliss—it’s a hidden strength. It allows us to push forward in the face of adversity, to keep going when a more informed person might give up. So, if you find yourself feeling lost or overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, the very act of moving forward, blind as it might seem, is what will get you through.
Related tags
Awareness Competition Exile Ignorance Mediation Perspective Self-understanding Struggle Survival World
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