You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

Summary

This quote, attributed to Indian politician and peace advocate Indira Gandhi, suggests that peaceful interactions and meaningful communication cannot occur when a person is filled with anger or aggression. Metaphorically, a clenched fist represents a closed, defensive and confrontational mindset that prevents genuine connection and understanding. By contrast, shaking hands symbolizes an open, welcoming and cooperative attitude, creating an environment conducive to dialogue, compromise, and collaboration. In essence, the quote emphasizes the importance of approaching conflicts or disagreements with an open mind and a willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground.

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