He is among those beings of great scope who spread their leafy branches willingly over broad horizons. To be a man is, precisely, to be responsible. It is to know shame at the sight of poverty which is not of our making. It is to be proud of a victory won by our comrades. It is to feel, as we place our stone, that we are contributing to the building of the world.
In this quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "Wind, Sand and Stars," the author reflects on the essence of humanity and responsibility. He describes individuals who, like expansive trees, provide shelter and support to others, showing a deep connection to the world around them. Being a man involves acknowledging the struggles of others, particularly the shame that comes from witnessing poverty that is beyond one's control, and feeling pride in the shared victories of the community.
Furthermore, Saint-Exupéry emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to the collective effort of building a better world. Each person's actions, represented metaphorically as placing a stone, signify a commitment to improvement and solidarity with fellow human beings. This mindset fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, highlighting that true humanity lies in our responsibility to one another and our environment.
