"We’re not on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves. But in doing that, you save the world. The influence of a vital person vitalizes." -- Joseph Campbell
"We’re not on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves. But in doing that, you save the world. The influence of a vital person vitalizes." -- Joseph Campbell
I'm going to take a contrarian view to the lesson of Icarus. A Romantic at heart as opposed to a Realist, I vow every morning to save all beings, numberless as they may well be. How silly! I will not accept bondage on the wheel of Samsara. How elitist and arrogant! If my aspirations are small, how can my benefit to the world be any different? So I aspire greatly and don't fear failing greatly. In the next lifetime I will do the same thing! Of course, this from a devout Buddhist, so draw what conclusions you may!
Ah, the Icarus dilemma—dream big, but not too big, or you’ll end up with melted wings and a crash landing. It's like we’re all trying to figure out how close we can fly to the sun without needing SPF infinity!
But honestly, I love the idea that it’s not about shrinking our ambitions, just about understanding that there’s real value in the journey itself.
Maybe we don’t have to change the entire world—just our little corner of it. And if we do that well, we’ve already won, no wings needed.
Many years ago, in session with a very perceptive therapist, I was railing about what I believed to be a very a horrible social injustice perpetrated by "those bad guys on the other side". He listened patiently and responded with, "You sound like a Crusader".
I've never forgotten his words, though, from time to time , I slip into activist mode from my couch.
What great reassurance this brings.
I also felt reassured that, perhaps, my little life was "enough" (versus some of my more grandiose expectations)!
I'm going to take a contrarian view to the lesson of Icarus. A Romantic at heart as opposed to a Realist, I vow every morning to save all beings, numberless as they may well be. How silly! I will not accept bondage on the wheel of Samsara. How elitist and arrogant! If my aspirations are small, how can my benefit to the world be any different? So I aspire greatly and don't fear failing greatly. In the next lifetime I will do the same thing! Of course, this from a devout Buddhist, so draw what conclusions you may!
Go Michael Go!
Ah, the Icarus dilemma—dream big, but not too big, or you’ll end up with melted wings and a crash landing. It's like we’re all trying to figure out how close we can fly to the sun without needing SPF infinity!
But honestly, I love the idea that it’s not about shrinking our ambitions, just about understanding that there’s real value in the journey itself.
Maybe we don’t have to change the entire world—just our little corner of it. And if we do that well, we’ve already won, no wings needed.
Happy Friday eve Baird!
Ha! SPF infinity. I'll take 5 bottles please. Thanks Neela!
Thanks for the reminder, Baird.
Many years ago, in session with a very perceptive therapist, I was railing about what I believed to be a very a horrible social injustice perpetrated by "those bad guys on the other side". He listened patiently and responded with, "You sound like a Crusader".
I've never forgotten his words, though, from time to time , I slip into activist mode from my couch.
Josesh Campbell really gets to the nub of things.
How did you react to his use of that term?