Quote by Dag Hammarskjold, Markings
The great commitment is so much easier than the ordinary, everyday one -- and can all too easily shut our hearts to the latter. A willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice can be associated with, and even produce, a great hardness of heart. You thought you were indifferent to praise for achievements which you would not yourself have counted to your credit, or that, if you should be tempted to feel flattered, you would always remember that the praise far exceeded what the events justified. You thought yourself indifferent -- until you felt your jealousy flare up at his naive attempts to make himself important, and your self-conceit stood exposed. Concerning the hardness of the heart -- and its littleness -- let me read with open eyes the book my days are writing, and learn.
Summary
This quote highlights the potential dangers of being too focused on grand gestures or lofty ideals in our commitments, as they can blind us to the importance of everyday kindness and humility. It suggests that a strong desire to make significant sacrifices can lead to a hardening of the heart and a disregard for the smaller, but equally meaningful, acts of compassion. The narrator reflects on their own realization of the fragility of their self-image when confronted with envy and selfishness. The quote ends with a call to remain open-minded, engage with the lessons life presents, and strive to grow in compassion and understanding.
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