"Conocí a una anciana una vez, de casi cien años, y me dijo, Sólo hay dos preguntas por las que los seres humanos han peleado a lo largo de la historia. ¿Cuánto me amas? ¿Y quién está a cargo?"
— Elizabeth Gilbert
Simplified Meaning:
The quote is saying that throughout history, the main reasons people have had conflicts boil down to just two things: love and power. For instance, people often fight because they want to know if they are loved or valued. This can be seen in personal relationships where someone might argue with a partner because they feel unappreciated or unloved. On a larger scale, wars and battles often happen because of the struggle for control. Leaders and countries fight to decide who gets to make the rules and have authority. Think of historical events like the World Wars or even office politics where people quarrel over job positions and leadership. To apply this wisdom, consider that understanding these motivations can help manage conflicts better. If you're in a disagreement, ask yourself if it's about needing love or seeking control. Recognizing this can help you address the real issue, making it easier to find a solution. For example, if a friend is upset, showing them you value their feelings can resolve the tension. In a workplace setting, clearly defining roles and responsibilities can help prevent power struggles.