thought for this weekend and beyond

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46 responses »

  1. at first glance, this is a quote almost everyone would agree with, but . . .

    the quote implies all successful people are bad ?

    excuse me, this is bollocks – and the dalai lama should know better than to spout such nonsense

    for example, Bill Gates is one of the planet’s richest men, and each year he gives loads of money to charities to benefit those less well off than himself

    rather than implying all ‘successful’ people are selfish, the dalai lama would do better to encourage more folk with plenty, to share part of their surplus with the needy

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    • i didn’t interpret it to mean that he is against those who we traditionally think of a successful people as far as economics go, but just that there is more than one way to gain and give back to the world, and it’s not all about keeping what you possess, it’s about giving it back. i am happy to see bill gates and others like him giving back and there are all kinds of riches to be shared in this world, some of then with no financial basis. thanks for your thoughts, duncan. )

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    • Ah the fighting Scots! I think it is more a quote to say Money and position should not be our measure of success. But then it suits me to think that, because I am not in the money bracket.

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  2. I love this quote. Like you, I didn’t take it as an indictment of all rich people. I took it to mean that the world would be better off if more people had goals to bring peace, to love, to give, to share, rather having goals aimed at personal “success” (whatever that might mean).

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  3. I partially agree with the sentiment here, but it all depends on how one measures success. Wealth, to me, does not equal success. If I help young people to get a decent start in live and not only learn computer science, but also compassion, creativity and self-affirmation then I consider myself successful, at least temorarily.

    And finally, the quote is mis-attributed to the Dalai Llama. It was actually said by David Orr, in his book “Earth in Mind” – http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Mind-Education-Environment-Prospect/dp/155963295X

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  4. I should also add that the full quote in context is: “The planet doesn’t need more ‘successful’ people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every shape and form. It needs people who will live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these needs have little to do with success as our culture has defined it.” – David Orr

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  5. I think we all possess ‘riches’ and it is our human duty to share and to receive. <3 Annnndd I once touched the hand of a friend who touched the hand of the Dalai Llama…feeling remotely blessed. ~Karen~

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