Society cannot continue to disable themselves through their need to categorize people or make assumptions as to another individual's abilities.
Interpretation
Judging others by categories limits their potential and individuality.
Evelyn Glennie's quote emphasizes the detrimental effects of categorizing individuals and making assumptions about their abilities. It suggests that society's tendency to label people can prevent them from realizing their full potential, as these labels often overshadow their unique talents and contributions. By urging society to move beyond these constraints, the quote advocates for a more inclusive perspective that values individual capabilities over preconceived notions.
In practice
During a workshop on diversity, this quote can be used to address the importance of inclusivity.
I just assumed the world was full of solo percussionists. I couldn't find sticks or music or anything where I was, but that was expected because there was nothing there anyway. And I think that was possibly the greatest asset for me, just not knowing.
If we see someone in a wheelchair, we assume they cannot walk. It may be that they can walk three, four, five steps. That, to them, means they can walk.
I never regretted turning down anything, I never regretted losing a job because I always felt something else was out there.
Beware of listening to this impostor; you are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody.
We have bigger things to brood on and enormous reasons for wallowing in terminal craziness until we finally hit bottom.
The gratification which affluence of wealth, extent of power, and eminence of reputation confer, must be always, by their own nature, confined to a very small number; and the life of the greater part of mankind must be lost in empty wishes and painful comparisons, were not the balm of philosophy shed upon us, and our discontent at the appearances of unequal distribution soothed and appeased.
why shouldnt things be largely absurd, futile, and transitory? they are so, and we are so, and they and we go together.
What about the rest of your life?" She shrugged. "What about it?" "Aren't you worried about, like, forever?" "Forever is composed of nows," she says.
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