For most of us, our mother is our first teacher. My mother first showed me compassion and one of the things about her was that she always presented a kind face. As human beings, our lives begin in the shelter of our mother's care and affection, without which we would not survive.
Dorset appears to have had a special place in the heart & mind of #DanielDefoe (both in terms of Defoe’s actual trading life & allegorically in Robinson Crusoe). Find out more in Sheldon Rogers’ fascinating article:
https://t.co/w40cW4SwPp
@S_Insley_H
@chris_loar
@profvanrenen
If we want to see a more peaceful world, we have to learn to collaborate. Young people shouldn’t follow previous patterns of behaviour. New conditions, like our interdependent, globalised world, require new ideas. Dividing people into ‘us’ and ‘them’ is out of date.
Gradually people are beginning to recognize that peace of mind has an important role to play in our day to day lives. Mental afflictions like anger, fear and frustration detract from our good health, so, all seven billion human beings alive today need peace of mind here and now.
People today may feel anxious about the future, but we can take strength from the fact that more and more of us are genuinely concerned to protect the environment, taking account of the welfare of the whole of humanity, as well as the health of the planet, our only home.
Entering into dialogue and talking things through is the only proper way of restraining people intent on perpetuating violent conflict. It is important to make clear that in the 21st century old ways of thinking, such as dependence on the use of force, are no longer appropriate.
Peace of mind and physical well-being are closely related. Some years ago, a scientist at Emory University told me that continuous anger, fear and suspicion tend to eat into our immune system. Besides, peace of mind and warm-heartedness bring us confidence.
Our lives depend on hope. If you have hope, you’ll be able to overcome problems you face. But if you’re without hope, your difficulties will increase. Hope is linked to compassion and loving kindness.
There is time for us to create a better, happier world, but we can’t sit back and expect a miracle. We each have actions we must take, by living our lives meaningfully — helping others whenever we can and making every effort to do them no harm.