"届けることができない何かを約束した時に私たちは人々に最も近くなります"
— Alain de Botton
Simplified Meaning:
People tend to feel very connected when they make big promises to each other, even if those promises are impossible to keep. For example, a political leader might promise voters a completely perfect society. This dream creates a strong bond, making people feel united by a common goal. However, actually achieving this perfect society is unrealistic. In everyday life, we might tell a friend we'll always be there for them no matter what, but life circumstances can change, making it hard to keep that promise. The feeling of connection comes from the shared hope and the trust in the promise, not from the actual fulfillment of it. By understanding this, we can aim to build genuine connections based on honesty while still sharing our dreams and aspirations.