For scholarship - if it is to be scholarship - requires, in addition to liberty, that the truth take precedence over all sectarian interests, including self-interest.
John PolanyiRead
If we treasure our own experience and regard it as real, we must also treasure other people's experience.
Interpretation
Valuing our experiences means we should also value the experiences of others.
This quote by John Polanyi emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. It suggests that if we consider our personal experiences as significant and worthy, we should extend the same respect and recognition to the experiences of others, fostering a sense of shared humanity and connection.
In practice
In a speech about teamwork, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of valuing everyone's input.
For scholarship - if it is to be scholarship - requires, in addition to liberty, that the truth take precedence over all sectarian interests, including self-interest.
Our assessment of socio-economic worth is largely a sham. We scientists should not lend ourselves to it - though we routinely do. We should, instead, insist on applying the criterion of quality.
It is this, at its most basic, that makes science a humane pursuit; it acknowledges the commonality of people's experience.
When, as we must often do, we fear science, we really fear ourselves.
Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms. The passions may rage furiously, like true heathens, as they are; and the desires may imagine all sorts of vain things: but judgment shall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience.
I learn from my mistakes. It’s a very painful way to learn, but without pain, the old saying is, there’s no gain.
She was not too young to be wise, but she was too young to know that wisdom shouldn't be spoken aloud when you are happy.
When the enemy's envoy's speak in humble terms, but continues his preparations, he will advance. When their language is deceptive but the enemy pretentiously advances, he will retreat. When the envoys speak in apologetic terms, he wishes a respite. When without a previous understanding the enemy asks for a truce, he is plotting. When the enemy sees an advantage but does not advance to seize it, he is fatigued.
Clearly recognizing what is happening inside us, and regarding what we see with an open, kind and loving heart, is what I call Radical Acceptance. If we are holding back from any part of our experience, if our heart shuts out any part of who we are and what we feel, we are fueling the fears and feelings of separation that sustain the trance of unworthiness. Radical Acceptance directly dismantles the very foundations of this trance.
Many of the insights of the saint stem from their experience as sinners.
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