The only time that any of us have to grow or change or feel or learn anything is in the present moment. But we're continually missing our present moments, almost willfully, by not paying attention.
Jon Kabat-ZinnRead
Movements have narratives. They tell stories, because they are not just about rearranging economics and politics. They also rearrange meaning. And they're not just about redistributing the goods. They're about figuring out what is good.
Interpretation
Movements are about storytelling and redefining values, not just changing systems.
This quote emphasizes the significance of narratives within movements; they are not solely focused on the economic and political aspects but also on transforming the underlying meaning of what is deemed 'good.' It suggests that successful movements involve a deeper engagement with values and narratives that shape societal perspectives.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of narratives in movements.
The only time that any of us have to grow or change or feel or learn anything is in the present moment. But we're continually missing our present moments, almost willfully, by not paying attention.
When you want to change things, you can't please everyone. If you do please everyone, you aren't making enough progress.
There are those who still think they are holding the pass against a revolution that may be coming up the road. But they are gazing in the wrong direction. The revolution is behind them. It went by in the Night of Depression, singing songs to freedom.
I really see no other solution than to turn inwards and to root out all the rottenness there. I no longer believe that we can change anything in the world until we first change ourselves. And that seems to me the only lesson to be learned.
All the time it's a changing_x000D_ _x000D_ And all the dreamers are waking.
This will be a great day in our history; the date of a New Revolution - quite as much needed as the old one. Even now as I write they are leading old John Brown to execution in Virginia for attempting to rescue slaves! This is sowing the wind to reap the whirlwind which will come soon!
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