Martha Nussbaum Quotes

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is just to stay human.

My father was an absolutely wonderful human being. From him I learned to always assume positive intent. Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent.

I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.

I would like to show that I have a heart, that I am a human being and I have feelings. And to be this kind of role model, not only for beauty pageants but also for life.

Without humility there can be no humanity.

We need the compassion and the courage to change the conditions that support our suffering. Those conditions are things like ignorance, bitterness, negligence, clinging, and holding on.

Kindness and intelligence don't always deliver us from the pitfalls and traps: there are always failures of love, of will, of imagination. There is no way to take the danger out of human relationships.

Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.

When you close your eyes to tragedy, you close your eyes to greatness.

If we really want to be full and generous in spirit, we have no choice but to trust at some level.

The essence of true friendship is to make allowance for another's little lapses.

You have perspective when little people come into your life. You take the best things you have and let them overshadow your disappointment.

You can be the greatest guy in the world but if you ain't got no heart, you ain't gonna survive.

We can only learn to love by loving.

If you want honesty and love, you have to be honest and loving and loveable.

There's no bad consequence to loving fully, with all your heart. You always gain by giving love.

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.

Strength and compassion are not mutually exclusive.

I prefer to be a good human being rather than a good character on screen.

It takes strength to be kind; it's not a weakness.

It's just as important to be a good human being as it is to be a good actor.

Empathy is important, openness, honesty, and an understanding for others.

Always be kind, especially in times when it seems like everyone is giving up on each other. Love harder.

As a species, I think if we could be half as good as dogs, I think the world would be a much better place.

It is easy to underestimate the demands of an open heart.