Philosophical Wisdom

The wise man belongs to all countries, for the home of the great soul is the whole world.
— Democritus, Greek philosopher

Christian Wisdom

God created order out of disorder, cosmos out of chaos, and God can do so always, can do so now — in our personal lives and in our lives as nations, globally. The most unlikely person, the most improbable situation — these are all "transfigurable" — they can be turned into their glorious opposites. Indeed, God is transforming the word now — through us — because God loves us.
— Desmond Tutu in God Has A Dream

Gatha (for washing hands)
Water flows over these hands.
May I use them skillfully
to preserve our precious planet.
— Thich Nhat Hanh in Present Moment Wonderful Moment

Nursery Rhyme

A wise old owl sat in an oak.
The more he heard, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke, the more he heard.
Why aren't we all like that wise old bird?
— quoted by Rochelle Melander in A Generous Presence

Proverb

To accommodate all things, enlarge your heart.
Chinese Proverb

Zen Wisdom

In all ten directions of the universe,
there is only one truth.
When we see clearly, the great teachings are the same.
What can ever be lost? What can be attained?
If we attain something, it was there from the beginning of time.
If we lose something, it is hiding somewhere near us.
— Ryokan quoted in The Seeker's Guide by Elizabeth Lesser

Protestant Wisdom

Help is on the way a hundred percent of the time. Rumi said, "Someone fills the cup in front of us." I know that when I call out, God will be near, and hear, and help eventually.
— Anne Lamott in Grace (Eventually)


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