"And now what is the result of all these considerations and quotations? It
is negative in one sense, but positive in another. It absolutely forbids
us to be forward in pronouncing on the meaninglessness of forms of existence other
than our own; and it commands us to tolerate, respect and indulge those whom we
see harmlessly interested and happy in their own ways, however unintelligible
these may be to us. Hands off: neither the whole of truth, nor the whole
of good, is revealed to any single observer, although each observer gains a
partial superior insight for the peculiar position in which he stands.
Even prisons and sick rooms have their special revelations. It is enough
to ask of each of us that he should be faithful to his own opportunities and
make the most of his own blessings, without presuming to regulate the rest of
the vast field."
- William James, On a Certain Blindness, 1891
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