Consequential Strangers Quotes

“Perhaps it’s obvious that to create an in-depth study of how urban life affects people, Terkel had to step outside of his inner circle. But all of us do. The challenges of modern life require more than our loved ones can give. Whether it’s cutting through a maze of information about a particular disease, figuring out how to best invest the funds in our 401(k), or deciding whether a hybrid car makes sense, we need what consequential strangers offer: a fresh perspective, different ideas, and connections and know-how that extend beyond our familiar.”
― Melinda Blau, Consequential Strangers: Turning Everyday Encounters Into Life-Changing Moments

“consequential strangers anchor us in the world and give us a sense of being plugged into something larger.”
― Melinda Blau, Consequential Strangers: Turning Everyday Encounters Into Life-Changing Moments

“Clearly our loved ones matter. People who lack close relationships are susceptible to physical and emotional problems. Because intimates are critical to our survival, they are naturally valued more by our culture and, not surprisingly, have garnered the most attention. But”
― Melinda Blau, Consequential Strangers: Turning Everyday Encounters Into Life-Changing Moments

“A human being is part of a whole, called by us the “universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us…. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive. —Albert Einstein”
― Melinda Blau, Consequential Strangers: Turning Everyday Encounters Into Life-Changing Moments