To be truly visionary we have to root our imagination in our concrete reality while simultaneously imagining possibilities beyond that reality.
Interpretation
Visionary thinking balances reality with imaginative possibilities.
This quote by Bell Hooks emphasizes the importance of being grounded in reality while also being able to envision a future that transcends our current circumstances. True visionary leaders and thinkers must acknowledge their present situation, but they should also cultivate the ability to imagine and strive for greater possibilities, thus inspiring innovation and change.
In practice
This quote can inspire a team brainstorming session to think beyond current project limitations.
Privilege is not in and of itself bad; what matters is what we do with privilege. I want to live in a world where all women have access to education, and all women can earn PhDβs, if they so desire. Privilege does not have to be negative, but we have to share our resources and take direction about how to use our privilege in ways that empower those who lack it.
Self-love is the foundation of our loving practice. Without it our other efforts to love fail. Giving ourselves love we provide our inner being with the opportunity to have the unconditional love we may have always longed to receive from someone else.
While privacy strengthens all our bonds, secrecy weakens and damages connection. Lerner points out that we do not usually "know the emotional costs of keeping a secret" until the truth is disclosed. Usually, secrecy involves lying. And lying is always the setting for potential betrayal and violation of trust.
When we only name the problem, when we state complaint without a constructive focus or resolution, we take hope away. In this way critique can become merely an expression of profound cynicism, which then works to sustain dominator culture.
Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you see that people can change, and there is hope.
I still think it's important for people to have a sharp, ongoing critique of marriage in patriarchal society β because once you marry within a society that remains patriarchal, no matter how alternative you want to be within your unit, there is still a culture outside you that will impose many, many values on you whether you want them to or not.
Better to know a few things which are good and necessary than many things which are useless and mediocre
Some people mistake grit for sheer persistence - charging up the same hill again and again. But that's not quite what I mean by the word 'grit.' You want to minimize friction and find the most effective, most efficient way forward. You might actually have more grit if you treat your energy as a precious commodity.
Presumption must be quenched even more than a fire.
Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.
Truth is the beginning of every good thing, both in heaven and_x000D_ _x000D_ on earth; and he who would be blessed and happy should be from_x000D_ _x000D_ the first a partaker of truth, for then he can be trusted.
The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.
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