I agree with the statement that "when we shrink from the world, our souls shrink as well." In my view our souls are on this earth to learn and become stronger. "Souls are like atheletes." wrote Thomas Merton, "that need opponents worthy of them if they are to be tired and extended and pushed to the full use of their powers."(Loeb 21) Our souls can only grow through interactions with others. Virginia, for instance, didnt even start to get involved until her elderly neibor fell ill. Even after she herd that this person had died she hesitated to truely get involved. However, there are two types of people. First there are the people like the nun that challenged Virginia too get involved and second there are the people that hold us back by intimidating us. For Virginia there was the nun who helped her realize her potential. But her family treated her like a discrace. One of the most important things in life to learn is to do what you believe is right and not what others think you should do. Even in class at times people, including me, tend to see things like classmates who make others lives harder. Often times I see things go on that I know isnt right but I dont do anything because im intimidated by others and what they might think about me. But in the end we all should do our part to do what is right to help others and make this world a better place.
You had some awesome key points and I could see the symbolism of your picture the entire way through your blog. It is very unfortunate for those that feel intimidated and feel they cannot stand up against others. On the positive side when these people take that risk they have the most area to grow from making a change like this. Everyone would be making their opinion hear which would make it easier to have a happier society with all individuals being happy. This also erases the issue of "leaving the job out to someone else."
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed out the positive and negative influences people have in their lives. It all really comes down to an individuals view on life of either pessimism or optimism. Virginia could have just as easily chosen to fall into her family's criticism, but she decided to follow the nun's encouraging advice.
ReplyDeleteHave you found your nun yet Richard? haha. The best thing about that second group of people is they only need a push. That’s what SLICE is targeting in some aspects and we hope you can see that. Our motives aren’t to tell you what to do, but to let you experience that feeling of a "want." Our entire lives revolve around this "want" and if you find it, there is always something more you desire. Its a cycle that is directed by you, for you. Everyone in between is there for you to lean on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post Richard.
-Jeremy