If we are to be truly effective, we must look for the good in others, even when it is hard to find. — John Lewis
—What lingers after this line?
Building Empathy and Understanding
This quote emphasizes the importance of cultivating empathy by making an effort to see the positive qualities in others, even when it is challenging.
Fostering Harmony and Collaboration
By focusing on the good in others, we create an environment that encourages unity and cooperative relationships, leading to more effective teamwork and communication.
Overcoming Bias and Judgment
Looking for good in others helps us move beyond our preconceived notions and judgments, allowing for more authentic and constructive interactions.
Promoting Growth and Positivity
When we recognize the positive traits in others, it not only uplifts them but also inspires us to maintain a positive outlook, fostering growth and mutual respect.
Legacy of John Lewis
John Lewis, an iconic civil rights leader, advocated for compassion and understanding in the face of adversity. His statement reflects his belief in the transformative power of goodwill, even under difficult circumstances.
Recommended Reading
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
One-minute reflection
Why might this line matter today, not tomorrow?
Related Quotes
6 selectedResentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. — Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher’s line lands because it flips our usual assumption about blame and punishment. Resentment feels like a weapon aimed outward—proof that someone hurt us and should pay—but the metaphor exposes a cruel physics...
Read full interpretation →When people set boundaries with you, it's their attempt to continue the relationship. It's not an attempt to hurt you. — Elizabeth Earnshaw
Elizabeth Earnshaw
Elizabeth Earnshaw’s quote asks us to reconsider the gut reaction many people have when they hear “I can’t” or “I’m not okay with that.” Instead of treating boundaries as rejection, she frames them as a relational tool—a...
Read full interpretation →Technology changes fast; people change slower—lead with empathy. — Mary Barra
Mary Barra
Mary Barra’s observation begins with a simple mismatch: technology can be upgraded overnight, but human habits, fears, and identities rarely update on command. New tools arrive with impressive speed—software releases, au...
Read full interpretation →Curiosity and empathy are the tools we use to navigate disruption and create sustainable change. — Wendi S. Williams
Wendi S. Williams
Wendi S. Williams frames disruption not merely as a market event or a technological shift, but as something people must actively move through.
Read full interpretation →I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen. — John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s line begins as a simple wonder and quickly becomes an unsettling self-audit: how often do our eyes register a person without our minds truly recognizing them? The verb “seen” expands beyond eyesight into atte...
Read full interpretation →Let your empathy be the currency you spend to create a better world. — bell hooks
bell hooks
bell hooks’ invitation to treat empathy as a currency urges a radical shift in what we consider valuable. Instead of measuring worth in money, status, or productivity, she suggests that our capacity to feel with others i...
Read full interpretation →More From Author
More from John Lewis →