When human beings have been fascinated by the contemplation of their own hearts, the more intricate biological pattern of the female has become a model for the artist, the mystic, and the saint. When mankind turns instead to what can be done, altered, built, invented, in the outer world, all natural properties of men, animals, or metals become handicaps to be altered rather than clues to be followed.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the contrast between inner contemplation and the focus on external achievements, emphasizing the value of understanding the intricate nature of the self.
Margaret Mead suggests that throughout history, individuals have often sought to explore and understand the complexities of their own inner lives, particularly in relation to the female form, which has inspired artists, mystics, and saints. In contrast, focusing solely on the external world leads to a tendency to alter and manipulate the natural properties of existence, rather than appreciating them as valuable insights into life. This reflection advocates for a deeper appreciation of both the inner self and the intrinsic beauty of the world around us.
In practice
During a philosophy seminar on the importance of introspection.
Earth Day is the first holy day which transcends all national borders, yet preserves all geographical integrities, spans mountains and oceans and time belts, and yet brings people all over the world into one resonating accord, is devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology, the measurement of time, and instantaneous communication through space.
Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn't burn up any fossil fuel, doesn't pollute. Neither does song, neither does love, neither does the dance.
Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color, class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful.
We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.
EARTH DAY uses one of humanity's great discoveries, the discovery of anniversaries by which, throughout time, human beings have kept their sorrows and their joys, their victories, their revelations and their obligations alive, for re-celebration and re-dedication another year, another decade, another century, another eon.
American society is very like a fish society. . . . Among certain species of fish, the only thing which determines order of dominance is length of time in the fishbowl. The oldest resident picks on the newest resident, and if the newest resident is removed to a new bowl, he, as oldest resident, will pick on the newcomers.
Clothing is . . . an exercise in memory. It makes me explore the past: how did I feel when I wore that. They are like signposts in the search for the past.
All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.
Drawing is still basically the same as it has been since prehistoric times. It brings together man and the world. It lives through magic.
I landed a job with Roger Corman. The job was to write the English dialogue for a Russian science fiction picture. I didn't speak any Russian. He didn't care whether I could understand what they were saying; he wanted me to make up dialogue.
I knew, regardless of anything else, singing in front of an orchestra was going to be inspirational. It would feed me.
Don't forget - no one else sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell.
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