Meaning: The quote "It is very difficult to get up resentment towards persons whom one has never seen" by John Henry Newman, an English theologian and clergyman, speaks to the human tendency to find it challenging to harbor negative feelings towards individuals we have never encountered. This sentiment reflects the idea that it is easier to hold animosity towards those we know personally, as it is through personal interactions and experiences that we develop emotional responses and attachments.

John Henry Newman, who lived in the 19th century, was a prominent figure in the Oxford Movement, a religious movement within the Church of England that sought to move the church back to its roots in the early Christian church. Newman's works often focused on theology, education, and the relationship between faith and reason.

In the context of the quote, Newman seems to be highlighting the human tendency to humanize and empathize with those we know personally, making it more difficult to harbor negative feelings towards them. When we have never seen or interacted with someone, it becomes easier to distance ourselves from them and not develop strong emotional reactions, including resentment.

This quote can be interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it seems to point to the importance of personal connection and understanding in shaping our emotional responses. It suggests that our perceptions and feelings towards others are influenced by our experiences and interactions with them. Without these personal connections, it becomes more challenging to form strong emotional attachments, whether positive or negative.

In today's interconnected world, where social media and digital communication often shape our interactions and perceptions of others, Newman's words carry particular resonance. It is increasingly common to form opinions and judgments about individuals we have never met based on online interactions or secondhand information. This can lead to a dehumanization of others and make it easier to harbor negative feelings towards them.

In a broader sense, the quote also speaks to the power of empathy and understanding in shaping our relationships with others. When we take the time to truly see and understand individuals, it becomes more difficult to hold onto resentment or negative feelings towards them. This aligns with many philosophical and religious teachings that emphasize the importance of compassion and understanding in our interactions with others.

Newman's quote challenges us to consider the ways in which our personal interactions and connections with others influence our emotional responses. It encourages us to approach our relationships with empathy and understanding, recognizing the impact of personal connection on our perceptions of others.

In conclusion, John Henry Newman's quote "It is very difficult to get up resentment towards persons whom one has never seen" offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of human emotions and personal interactions. It reminds us of the power of personal connection in shaping our perceptions and feelings towards others, and encourages us to approach our relationships with empathy and understanding.