For centuries, humans have said to horses, 'You do what I tell you or I'll hurt you.' Humans still say that to each other -- still threaten, force and intimidate. I'm convinced that my discoveries with horses have value in the workplace, in the educational and penal systems, and in the raising of children. At heart, I'm saying that no one else has the right to say 'you must' to an animal -- or to another human.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of respect and understanding in relationships, rejecting intimidation and force as means of control.
Monty Roberts highlights the parallels between human-animal and human-human interactions, criticizing the use of threats and coercion to gain compliance. He advocates for a more compassionate approach, suggesting that true leadership and teaching should be rooted in mutual respect rather than fear, and acknowledges the broader implications of these ideas in various societal contexts.
In practice
During a team-building seminar, this quote can serve as a reminder to leaders about the importance of fostering a supportive and cooperative environment.
I had been riding horses before my memory kicked in, so my life with horses had no beginning. It simply appeared from the fog of infancy. I survived a difficult childhood by traveling on the backs of horses, and in adulthood the pattern didn't change.
A good trainer can hear a horse speak to him. A great trainer can hear him whisper.
You must somehow understand that we as horsemen can do very little to teach the horse. What we can do is to create an environment in which he can learn.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, _x000D_ in the noisy confusion of life, _x000D_ keep peace in your soul. _x000D_ With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Don't get older just to get wiser. If you get older, you will be wiser, I believe that - if you dare. But get older because it's fun!
But the things that we feel most deeply we ought to learn to be silent about, at least until we have talked them over thoroughly with God.
The truth needs so little rehearsal.
I would write my editorials using a manual typewriter in pitch-black darkness... I would produce the whole thing without having seen the text.
The white fathers told us: I think, therefore I am. The black goddess within each of us - the poet - whispers in our dreams: I feel, therefore I can be free.
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