Quotes

A thought for today, from Sun Magazine, a quote from Annie Elizabeth "Bessie" Delany, at age 104. I thought I could change the world. It took me a hundred years to figure out I can't change the world. I can only change Bessie. And, honey, that ain't easy either.

Another, also from the April issue of Sun, from M. Scott Peck: The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual - for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.


I posted these quotes a few days ago as being ones that are thought provoking. Can we change the world individually? Do great changes occur from one individual?

I have always thought that a person can make a difference, but is that true? Do we change the world by being ourselves and being an example that others may emulate? Or do can we actually cause a change to occur? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr lived a life believing in non-violent change and died because of it. He also, by his own actions and words, influence many others to follow and take up his credo. The world has been changed because of his efforts and I assume that he felt that he was changed personally also.

He did set out to change the world, to bring peace and justice to all people regardless of any differences they have had. Did Bessie just underestimate her impact on the world around her? She may have helped many changes occur although they were not as earth-shaking as Dr. King’s, nor did she have to lose her life in the effort.

Now can one person, be he/she a solitary and humble individual, affect the battle between good and evil that is fought everyday all over the world. Dr. King did, Gandhi did, Mother Teresa did, FDR did, and so did many others who are in the history books, who have been awarded the Nobel Peace prize, and so forth.

What can you and I do? Can we smile and talk to the shunned? Can we help those in need? Can we confront those who abuse power? Can we do our best to follow the Golden Rule? Can we be honest in all of our dealings? Can we speak the truth and not slander folks? Can we donate to causes that support peace and justices efforts, help the helpless, and help others to be as fulfilled as individuals as they can be?

Yes, we can do all this and many more things that you can think of. So let’s do it. The battle is waged everyday and good needs our support.

So I would venture to say the quotes are not in conflict, and it is true that one person can make a difference.