You know, it’s funny. People always think they know what is best for others, but they rarely have that same clarity for themselves. It’s a paradox we all live with, a kind of universal blind spot that Coelho just nails. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote points to a fundamental human contradiction: we’re quick to diagnose the lives of others while being utterly confused about our own.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. When we look at someone else’s situation, we’re looking at it from the outside. There’s no emotional baggage, no fear, no ego getting in the way. It’s clean. So we see the “obvious” solution. But when we turn that gaze inward? It’s a fog of self-doubt, justification, and conflicting desires. Our own stuff gets in the way. We’re too close to the canvas to see the painting. That’s the irony. We have 20/20 vision for other people’s paths and are practically blindfolded on our own. It’s not about intelligence; it’s about proximity.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Life (320) |
| Topics | judgment (32), self awareness (56), wisdom general (18) |
| Literary Style | philosophical (434) |
| Emotion / Mood | calm (491) |
| Overall Quote Score | 84 (319) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 2008 novel, The Winner Stands Alone. It’s a modern story set against the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, exploring themes of obsession and success. You sometimes see this quote floating around unattributed or misattributed to other self-help gurus, but its true home is in this specific work of fiction.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Winner Stands Alone (55) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | People always think they know what is best for others, but rarely what is best for themselves |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2008 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-175044-1; Latest Edition: Harper Perennial 2009; 368 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 184, Chapter: The Blind Advisor |