You know, I was just thinking about this quote the other day: “Everyone wants to be understood; few want to do the understanding.” It perfectly captures a universal human paradox we all wrestle with in our relationships and careers.
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Meaning
At its core, this is about a fundamental imbalance. We’re all hardwired with a deep desire to feel heard and validated, but we’re often reluctant to extend that same courtesy to others.
Explanation
Let me break it down for you. It’s like we’re all walking around with a giant sign on our chests that says “LISTEN TO ME,” but we’re wearing blinders when it comes to seeing the same sign on everyone else. We get so caught up in our own narrative, our own problems, our own need to be right, that we forget the other person is in the exact same boat. The real magic, the real power in any relationship—business, personal, you name it—comes from flipping that script. It’s about becoming the one who does the understanding. That’s where the connection happens. That’s where you build real trust.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Relationship (329) |
| Topics | empathy (143), patience (51), understanding (119) |
| Literary Style | concise (408) |
| Emotion / Mood | honest (52), reflective (382), wise (34) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s classic 1999 book, How to Talk to Anyone, published in the US. You might sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this is the original, properly attributed source.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (185) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Everyone wants to be understood; few want to do the understanding |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1999; ISBN: 978-0-07-141858-4; Last edition: 2018; Number of pages: 368. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: The Empathy Gap; Approximate page from 2003 edition: 390 |