When you really know somebody you can't hate them. Or maybe it's just that you can't really know them until you stop hating them.
The quote from Orson Scott Card's "Speaker for the Dead" emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and empathy in relationships. It suggests that personal biases and hatred can create barriers that prevent genuine knowledge of others. When we hold on to negative feelings, we might never appreciate someone fully, which implies that our attitudes can directly influence our ability to connect with them on a deeper level.
Furthermore, the statement implies a two-way process in building understanding: to truly know someone, one must overcome feelings of animosity. This perspective encourages readers to reflect on their interpersonal relationships, suggesting that letting go of hatred can lead to a richer and more nuanced understanding of others' experiences, motivations, and humanity.