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
There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.
People of color grow up steeped in 'white' culture. The reverse is not true. And, no, listening to hip-hop on the way to work does not count as immersion.
Our cultural strength has always been derived from our diversity of understanding and experience.
I often look ridiculous in Japan. There's really no way to eat in Japan, particularly kaiseki in a traditional ryokan, without offending the Japanese horribly. Every gesture, every movement is just so atrociously wrong, and the more I try, the more hilarious it is.
We also want to try and slow down all this foolishness that's going on between the East and West. We gotta understand that Hip Hop is now universal. Hip Hop is not East coast or West coast.
By making this wine known to the public, I have rendered my country as great a service as if I had enabled it to pay back the national debt.