“Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important”
— T. S. Eliot
Simplified Meaning:
People often cause problems because they want others to see them as important and powerful. When someone constantly tries to prove they are better or more valuable, they might make selfish decisions that hurt others. Think about a classmate who always wants to be the best in school, even if it means cheating or putting others down. Their actions are more about making themselves look good than about doing the right thing. In the workplace, a manager might make poor choices just to get noticed by their boss, even if those choices aren't good for the team. This behavior can lead to mistakes, conflicts, and missed opportunities. To avoid causing harm, it's better to be considerate and think about how our actions affect others instead of just trying to seem important. This makes for a healthier, happier environment where everyone can succeed together.