"The goodness of a single good person illuminates all humanity. The good or evil of humanity as a whole therefore depends on each of us as an individual."
- Romain Rolland, French author and Nobel laureate, Journal des années de guerre: 1914-1919, p. 1325
One person’s transformation ripples out to everyone around them. While it is natural to perceive our environment as separate from us, there is a deeply symbiotic relationship that we share with our surroundings. The Buddhist view of life recognizes both the interconnectedness of all things and the life’s unlimited potential.Many look to change society by focusing on addressing the economy or legislation. While this can improve situations temporarily, it will not create long-lasting change. The UNESCO preamble begins with, “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” (Archibald MacLeish, American poet and writer, UNESCO preamble). Ultimately, it is the collective beliefs and attitudes of human beings that shape and give expression to society. By focusing on each person’s happiness, we will see a real, sustainable change in society.
