It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.
Culture is an elevated expression of the inner voice which the different peoples of the Earth have heard in the depths of their being, a voice which conveys the vibrant compassion and wisdom of the cosmic life. For different cultures to engage in interaction is to catalyze each other's souls and foster mutual understanding.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Culture reflects the deep inner voice of humanity and promotes understanding between different peoples.
This quote by Daisaku Ikeda emphasizes that culture is a profound expression of our shared humanity, arising from the inner thoughts and feelings that resonate within us all. He suggests that when diverse cultures interact, they can inspire and enlighten one another, paving the way for greater compassion and wisdom in the world. Through this exchange, we not only recognize our differences but also celebrate the universal aspects of our existence, leading to a more harmonious global society.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about global unity, I could use this quote to highlight the importance of cultural exchange.
More from Daisaku Ikeda
All quotes →There’s no need for us to be held back by the past or how things have been so far. The important thing is what seeds we are sowing now for the future.
True love should be transformative; a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people. It can make us stronger, lift us higher and deepen us as individuals. Only to the extent that we polish ourselves now can we hope to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.
Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights.
Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness.
Similar quotes
When we create out of our experiences, as feminists of color, women of color, we have to develop those structures that will present and circulate our culture.
I'd like to state that Spike Lee is not saying that African American culture is just for black people alone to enjoy and cherish. Culture is for everybody.
If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast.
In a lot of ways I think food is starting to take the place in culture that rock and roll took 30 years ago, in that eating has become incredibly political. And just as the street has always dictated fashions on music and other things, it’s starting to happen that way in food.
Culture relates to objects and is a phenomenon of the world; entertainment relates to people and is a phenomenon of life.
Ours is a culture based on excess, on overproduction; the result is a steady loss of sharpness in our sensory experience. All the conditions of modern life - its material plenitude, its sheer crowdedness - conjoin to dull our sensory faculties