This I Believe (1952)

Discussion notes from Wednesday ...

What do I believe? Accumulation of wealth is accumulation of sin. Inconvenient Truth This author hasn't lived in my neighbhorhood; it's hard to trust! The problem of our times is values. A felon is disallowed to vote for the rest of your life; assumes that once you make a mistake, you're not a good person. What I am is more important than what I believe in. I stayed with my friend for two days; another friend stayed in the same place and saw God. It's all about perspective. You have earn your beliefs; you can't just believe. By being who you are, you allow others a chance to be who they are. If everyone gave, there wouldn't be homeless. I wonder if this is true elsewhere? "southern hospitality"? Was try to help three women who didn't speak much English. Cops pulls us over and asks, "Why I want to do good?" Maybe it's my youth, but I believe in the optimism of the passage. Person behind me paid for me at the grocery store when I forgot my wallet. Time and time again, good has always prevailed in my life. Whatever I end up believeing will become true; but you have to truly believe it, can't fake it. Can't project your belief to your kids; they have to find it themselves. Lost our license during a family trip to Hawaii; the receptionist called her boyfriend at midnight to help. Bonanza of goodness. My world is a projection of my own self; I gotta take full responsibility. 'Inconvenient Truth' movie made me get a hybrid. Life has made me a believer. Got a flat tire on 280 freeway and dear old man helped me out. We are products of multiple circumstances and multiple realities; Heinlen starts with his neighbors, goes to towns people and goes to the whole race. We have to start with our corner of the world. There has to be critical mass of people who believe in a particular for mass adoption of that practice. People really need to know that others care about what they care about. Of all the beliefs, you must believe in yourself first. Best thing you can do for someone is to make them self-sustaining. Goodness is an experience, not words. Accumulation: there's needs and then wants; when you stick with your needs, you wants get taken care of. I tend to be tragically optimistic; and I have been hurt by it. Can't have good without bad. X-men III: power of belief can carry you against all odds. Played a game called "Would you rather?" Trust everyone or no one? Made us realize that without trust, our world would be horrible place to live. I feel like I live like this guy's world; but you need critical mass. I believe in openness; open heart opens doors. 50 facts to change world -- give your phone number to five neighbors you don't know. Why not go a little farther and make 'em a meal? At the end of the day, just do 10 pay-it-forward acts for every goodness you receive and humanity will be fine.

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AN

anonymous

Jun 6, 2006

To live without protection from fellow-humans is an amazing experience. The person living it comes

to know the extent of his forgiving nature, his patience and eventually, his limits. Knowing these, he understands selfishness and protection. To know he is capable of

both, helps him be sensitive. And so does he alternate. And then the miracle happens. He knows, he is himself:human.

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HE

Helmut

Jun 6, 2006

Greetings,

I enjoy 99% of your thoughts and meditation sharing, but this one stands out, or should I say, sits out? One of the great faults of the New Age movement ( of which I am an ardent member ), is naivete and denial. History books show us that human beings have left a trail of blood and mayhem whereve they have stepped. And those history books were written by the winners. Can you imagine what history would look like if the victims wrote the books?

What Robert writes is probably true. We most likely will survive. We possibly will end up in the far reaches of space. But what's so special about that? We will leave behind a burned out planet and billions of impoverished who can't afford the trip. Truly, what is so different and special about that?

Loving your neighbor has nothing to do with how good they are, but what kind of a person you are. It does not absolve you of any responsibllity in fully appreciating how dark this plane of existence truly is.

Go ahead ... View full comment

Greetings,

I enjoy 99% of your thoughts and meditation sharing, but this one stands out, or should I say, sits out? One of the great faults of the New Age movement ( of which I am an ardent member ), is naivete and denial. History books show us that human beings have left a trail of blood and mayhem whereve they have stepped. And those history books were written by the winners. Can you imagine what history would look like if the victims wrote the books?

What Robert writes is probably true. We most likely will survive. We possibly will end up in the far reaches of space. But what's so special about that? We will leave behind a burned out planet and billions of impoverished who can't afford the trip. Truly, what is so different and special about that?

Loving your neighbor has nothing to do with how good they are, but what kind of a person you are. It does not absolve you of any responsibllity in fully appreciating how dark this plane of existence truly is.

Go ahead and shine your light, but don't forget that there would be no light if not for darkness. The two are inseparable. Believing anything else is pure denial.

All the best, Helmut. Hide full comment

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DE

Deepak

Jun 6, 2006

Wonderful. Made me see up, straight in you. Thank you God, thanks everyone. We are there, because, such good people are there, around, everywhere.

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DJ

Del Johnson

Jun 6, 2006

Robert

You said a mouthfull. What a refreshing look through the news reporting to the essence of the people that make up this incredible world. Thank you for your insight. Sincerely, Del

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