When it comes down to it, I don't have much in the way of advice to offer you, but here it is: Read to children. Vote. And never buy anything from a man who's selling fear.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of nurturing the next generation through reading, participating in democracy, and being mindful of whom you trust.
Mary Doria Russell's quote suggests that the most valuable advice consists of simple yet profound actions: reading to children fosters a love of learning, voting is a civic duty that promotes societal change, and avoiding those who capitalize on fear is essential for maintaining personal integrity and mental health. This message advocates for positive engagement in both personal and societal contexts.
In practice
In a parenting forum, sharing the quote to encourage other parents to read to their kids.
I believe in God the way I believe in quarks. People whose business it is to know about quantum physics or religion tell me they have good reason to believe that quarks and God exist. And they tell me that if I wanted to devote my life to learning what they've learned, I'd find quarks and God just like they did.
I like children; I like 'em, and I respect 'em. Pretty much all the honest truth-telling there is in the world is done by them.
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
Being true to yourself really means being true to all the complexities of the human spirit.
Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting.
Astrology and all these mystical things are generally signs of a weak mind
So, my unsolicited advice to women in the workplace is this. When faced with sexism, or ageism, or lookism, or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question: “Is this person in between me and what I want to do?” If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way. Then, when you’re in charge, don’t hire the people who were jerky to you.
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