“Each time we make a decision we are turning the central part of ourselves into something a little different than it was before”
— Thomas Paine
Simplified Meaning:
Every time we choose to do something, it changes who we are inside just a small bit. Think of it like adding small pieces to a puzzle. Each choice we make is like adding a new piece to this puzzle. Over time, the picture of the puzzle becomes more clear and detailed. For example, imagine deciding to help a friend. By choosing to be kind and helpful, you become a bit more caring and generous. On the other hand, if you decide to treat someone badly, you might become a bit colder or more closed off. Each of these decisions shapes the kind of person you are becoming. It's like building habits that can shape our character over time. So it's important to think carefully about our choices because they're making us who we are. Taking good actions will make us better people, while bad actions can have a negative effect on who we are inside.