Image via Wikipedia
Written by Karen D. Swim
There are some things that are timeless, like wisdom, manners and the little black dress. I was reminded of this as I read the following passage today from The Prophet, written by Kahlil Gibran. Gibran died in 1931 yet his words are relevant more than 70 years later.
“No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge. The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness. If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”
Wise teachers encourage you to think, analyze, question. They sow the ground that fertilizes self discovery allowing you to unlock your own wisdom. This is also the mark of a great leader, one who leads not rules, who inspires rather than dominates. A great leader does not require followers for he or she follows their own wisdom.
In our modern age we have access to vast amounts of information, knowledge and advice. We can reach across the miles and seek help from experts and leaders. Yet, the answers are not out there. The information and advice provide pieces of the puzzle, a blueprint if you will but it all leads back to the threshold of your own mind. Only you can define how to apply (or not) the advice to your life. Only you can determine if it aligns with your purpose, passion and values. Today, I hope you have the courage to step up to that threshold and follow your own internal compass.
What do you think of Gibran’s words? Do you have any timeless advice or tips to share? Y It’s fun to learn from one another, so please join in by adding your thoughts in the comment box. Your opinions are welcomed here. 🙂
screenwritingforhollywood says
Kelly — LMAO (laughing my a** off) I like cucumbers too. *wink*
Brad — Very interesting…
Friar says
@Brad
Yeah, your second response is much clearer and you gave a pretty good example here.
The DNA has certainly opened up more questions than it solved.
I think science is like that..two steps forward, one step back.
But we’re still further ahead then we were before we even knew DNA existed.
THis is a great debate.
Lookit what Karen started.
Friars last blog post..Increasing your Traffic: Blog Posts that are Guaranteed Crowd-Pleasers.
Brad Shorr says
Hi Friar, Sorry to be cryptic and/or confusing, but I was in a hurry to get back to work, because I’m spending so much time following this awesome conversation. Here’s what led me to make that rather provocative statement.
If one believes, as I do, that reality is comprised of things both inside and outside physical reality, the more we hold to the view that nothing is real unless we can perceive it, the further away we could be moving from reality. Who’s to say whether the ancients, with philosophies that were a blend of the scientific and the spiritual, were closer to the truth than we are, with our far more scientific view? The writings of someone like Thomas Aquinas, although from the 13th century, ring truer to me about the nature of reality than narrower essays from modern theologians and scientists alike. Could it be that by compartmentalizing religion and science we are making it harder to recognize truth?
Example … our recently acquired understanding of the workings of DNA answers many questions but calls into question the long held evolutionary idea that life developed through a “natural” process of selection. I’m not qualified to debate the scientific merits of a designer universe theory, but from what I understand, our deeper understanding of the physical nature of life has led to new questions about life’s origin inside and outside the scientific community. My point is that sometimes new knowledge raises more questions than it answer.
You probably won’t agree, but I hope my response makes a little more sense than my earlier comment.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..In Praise of One Liners
Kelly says
Jaden,
I heard there’s a bill on the November ballot to legalize Medical Vinegar.
I still don’t want ’em drivin’ in my state, the freaky greenies. Gimme a good solid cucumber any day.
😉
Later,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Inspiration Points: Cheers to Failure
Friar says
@jaden
You’re allright too. ( I enjoy a good debate, as long as people dont’ take it personally). Which none of did.
I like how this blog started a whole side-conversation that kept going long after the party was over and everyone else had gone home…! 😉
Friars last blog post..Increasing your Traffic: Blog Posts that are Guaranteed Crowd-Pleasers.
screenwritingforhollywood says
@ Kelly — Yeah, in California pickles have to walk too because they are notorious for sitting in bottles and getting drunk. No one trusts them behind the wheel. Green folks still have no voting rights. Maybe someday. *wink*
@ Friar — I love you and I love science, not so sure how I feel about this dimension.
@ Karen — Your post is great inspiration Karen. Maybe Friar and I should dissect “wisdom, manners and the little black dress” next? Naaaaah. We’d be here all year.
screenwritingforhollywoods last blog post..Sunday Picture Post 29 / Born Ready
Friar says
@Brad
“even the proposition that we come closer to understanding reality as we improve our ability to observe can be questioned”
Oh, I disagree (seems I’m disagreeing with everyone here!)
How can you say that? How can improving our ability to observe NOT help gain a better understanding of how things work? Can you give an example?
Take the microsope and telescope. If we hadnt’ used them, we’d have no idea that bacteria and cells exist, how DNA works. The planets would be mere dots of light in the sky, and we’d have no idea what lay beyond Saturn.
If we hadn’t improved our observation methods, we’d be stuck in the 1500’s and burning witches at the stake.
Friars last blog post..Increasing your Traffic: Blog Posts that are Guaranteed Crowd-Pleasers.
Brad Shorr says
This is a really interesting conversation that is keeping me from getting any work done. 🙂 It seems unlikely to me we will ever be able to completely know physical reality, because our senses are limited and that’s all we have to go by. For that matter, even the proposition that we come closer to understanding reality as we improve our ability to observe can be questioned.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..In Praise of One Liners
Friar says
@Jaden
Oh, the debate continues! 🙂
Well, okay…to follow up on the science. Yes, our measurements are accurate only in the dimensions that we can see and feel. But that’s what our reality consists of…how much more truthful do you need to get?
Science doesn’t claim to know everything. But it claims to provides a model to explain the universe which consistently gets more and more accurate as science progresses.
You imply there might be other realities. Other dimensions. Do our souls continue on as some kind of energy?
Well, interesting questions. Those ideas need to be proven by observation. Consistently, reproducibly, statistically significantly under controlled conditions.
So far, despite centuries of trying, nobody has ever done this (and believe me, people would WANT to prove it….imagine the Nobel Prize they would get!)
But when you start to depart from areas where there is no hope in hell of ever measuring or observing what the theory is, that’s when it stops becoming science.
That’s when things start to merge into the supernatural and religion. That’s when humans base their beliefs on emotions and opinions, instead of fact, and things start to get gray and messed up.
The analogy of Pluto being a planet has to do with semantics and nomenclature. Opinions, not facts.
What’s real is that Pluto is an approximately spherical shaped object with a certain mass, and a certain distance from the sun, with a certain gravitational field. Those are the type of truths that don’t’ change that I’m talking about.
Friars last blog post..Increasing your Traffic: Blog Posts that are Guaranteed Crowd-Pleasers.
screenwritingforhollywood says
Deep Friar —
I respectfully agree to debate.
If we have spirits or some type of conscious energy that continues on after death into different realms, I think you would see all those numbers to not be so accurate anymore, certainly with regards to gravity and time. They are only accurate in this dimension that we can see, feel, and touch; the one we currently know. It is not “everywhere, and at all times,” it is just our little tiny microcosm on the planet earth. There is so much more.
The fact that we cannot explain our existence, only theorize, is evidence that there is far more we do not understand than what we do understand, which leaves great room for error and changing of the facts. Attributing numbers, measurements, and names to things are just ways of categorizing so we can talk about them. They are temporary labels. Our truths are constantly changing.
“On August 24, 2006 the IAU defined the term “planet” for the first time. This definition excluded Pluto…” which was taught to us as children as the 9th planet, a truth we accepted.
screenwritingforhollywoods last blog post..Sunday Picture Post 29 / Born Ready
Friar says
@Jaden
Oh, no, no, NO! I respectfully disagree!!!
The analogy of a flat earth is a poor one, because that was a weak theory, and was easily disproven ages ago, by direct observation.
But there ARE fundamental truths to the universe and science. They’re not arbitrary truths, they’re not made up by humans with some made-up numbering system.
The way gravity behaves. The way light interacts with particles and changes their momentum. The quantum scale by which electrons hop to different oribtals….
These arent’ just bits of data. These are the building blocks upon which all mater/energy interactions are based. It’s the very clockwork by which our universe runs.
No matter what units you use, or what number system. It’s all been measured, and characterized. Accurately, consistently. To within the finest resolution our instruments can detect. And not just on one lab here or there. But EVERHWHERE, at ALL TIMES.
And to me, you dont’ get closer to the “Truth” than THAT.
(As oposed to say..Religion?)
Not saying Science knows everything, (it never will). But Geez, in some areas…we’re getting pretty damned close.
– Dr. Friar 😉
Kelly says
Jaden,
I don’t know how California works, but in Delaware, the pickles can’t have driver’s licenses.
Truth: They gotta walk.
😉
screenwritingforhollywood says
What an excellent discussion…
Oh Friar…
Those truths are no more true than a pickle walking to the grocery store. Remember, the world was flat once? Now it is round? Maybe tomorrow it will be a diamond. We believe whatever they tell us. On what are those numbers based? Who came up with the system? Science is ever changing. Theory. Speculation. Testing. By looking at something you change it. If someone shined a light on earth to check us out, they would see mars, because their light would sizzle us right up. There is no absolute truth. The truth is only what we want to believe at a moment in a manmade structured time that doesn’t exist either. We will see what we want to see, be who we want to be, and we are ever changing our environment.
screenwritingforhollywoods last blog post..Sunday Picture Post 29 / Born Ready
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations says
Wow Friar, I would grab that.
and maybe-since you really aren’t partial to any religion in particuliar anyway, you could become Mormon, then you could start a Fried Haram and marry Kelly and Amy. I’m sure that others would come along too just to hear your sexy passionate science talk. Heck, I’d join if I wasn’t aleady married to the man of my dreams. But I have to admit, I’ve never heard anyone sound so interesting talking about probing atoms.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Remembering Pen Pals…
Kelly says
Friar,
Because I’m pushy: friedscience.com , oh Fried One. Yeah I checked, it’s available. Think about it.
🙂
Regards,
Kelly
Friar says
@Kelly and Karen
Not familiar with Nanny and the Perfessor. I only grew up with 3 TV channels until age 10. I didnt’ get to see all the shows from the US.
Though I suspect the Professor “Tutorted” Nanny quite throoughly.
I actually do like writing about science (and I’ve helped teach Univeristy course and I’ve loved it).
Sigh. Just too much to write about, and only so many hours of the day.
Maybe I’ll try to write a few scientific posts, too see what happens.
Kelly says
Nanny, I suspect. VERY private lessons.
Ahem!
Karen Swim says
Friar, I agree with Kelly! I like science too but your humor combined with your passion would make it a fun read for non-science geeks. Friar’s Science Blog is a great idea. Oooh, maybe you can blow things up on camera and post it, that would be fun. Professor Friar, the world awaits! Just reminded me of Nanny and the Professor. What did the Professor teach, anyone remember? 🙂
Kelly says
Friar,
You need an angle here. I think I hear Friar’s Science Blog calling you. I’m just a plain ol’ geek, but I’d read it.
Hmm, a hook for non-geeks… ?
think think think
Later,
Kelly
Friar says
@Brad
Great Topic for discussion!
Science develops theories and models of the how the universe works. It’s probably arrogant to say we’ll undestand EVERYTHING perfectly, but we get closer each time.
Theories are ideas that need to be proven with observation. If an observation contradicts the theory (even once!), then the theory is considered wrong, and needs to be revisited.
If a theory is observed long enough, and it’s never proven wrong, it ends up being a Law.
Newtonian physics, for example. For 200 years, it basically worked perfectly on our everday scale (to within the accuracy that we were able to measure things).
Then our instruments became more sensitive, and we started to probe the atom. Our telescoopes got better, and we discovered neutron stars and black holes.
Now, we found that under certain conditions (near the speed of light, or the subatomic scale) Newtonian physics didnt’ quite work. So we developped Quantum physics and the Laws of Relativity to explain things.
Not that Newtonian physics wasn’t right…it was right under a certain set of conditions. Quatum Physics and Relatively didnt’ take away from Newton, they just added to it.
That’s how science is supposed to work. It keeps building upon itself and we get closer and closer to the Truth.
I LOVE this kind of discussion (can you tell I’m a science Geek?)
Brad Shorr says
Hi. Cool conversation. Question for Friar … How does a person know, or logically conclude, that even truths such as you cite are absolutely true? (Not that what you say doesn’t make sense – it does.) I’m not a scientist, but didn’t some of the absolute truths of Newtonian physics turn out to be not exactly right?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..8 Great Writing and Marketing Reads
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations says
@Ulla,
I love the points that you brought up. And the idea that there may be ONE great truth. That was not my intent. My intent was that within each of us, we don’t have to blindly follow another, that we have OUR OWN voice speaking to us about what we should do that is right for us- if we listen-. Is it right for the world? I don’t begin to answer that Question. As Alex brings up, the question of survival alters the answer of morality in most and maybe all situations for most people. When is it OK to steal a loaf of bread? When is it OK to fight? Go to war? Engage in cannabilism?
Friar’s DEEP point is a shocking awakening to some people. There are no social truths. What you believe to be true, is merely an agreed upon social norm for a moment in time.
This is why I say- and I have pounded this in to my children-you must examine your OWN beliefs and truths and carefully study and examine, never blindly follow no matter how bright or shiny the glitter may glow.
I choose to believe that within most of us, barring mental illness or rampant abuse, that we are inherently created to look for the good choice if we will listen. Not all do. And we ALWAYS have a choice. Some are just blind and lost to it.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Remembering Pen Pals…
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome says
@Ulla
I’m with you on this – I think for 95% of the population, the first and only Truth is: Survival. After that other Truths will come.
@Everyone else
I don’t believe that there is only one Truth – I think Truth changes based on social context – and for one of the best pieces of fiction that explores this in full detail and makes you question the idea of what’s “right” (and have a good time doing so) read: Household Gods by Harry Turtledove and Judith Tarr.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..Picking a Goal and Pursuing It: Harrison McLeod Interview
Kelly says
The Deep Friar,
I didn’t think I could go down the truthy road today, but I have to agree with you. I couldn’t have said it half so rantingly well. People stuff is relative to space, time, social mores. Laws of nature—nope.
Okay, seriously, what am I doing up?
Bed. For real.
Later,
Kelly
Friar says
Okay, hold onto your hats. The Friar is going to go DEEP, here.
The problem with human beings, is that the Truth is arbitary. It’s whatever we decide it is, based on our background, environment and culture.
As opposed to the Laws of the Universe. For example:
– The charge of an electron is 1.6021e-19 coulombs.
– The ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle is 3.1415927….
– The speed of light in a vaccum is constant is 299 792 458 meters per second.
– In a closed system, Entropy will always increase.
– Nothing can get colder than -273.15C.
etc. etc…..
So what? This is all trivial, one might ask.
But it’s NOT, really.
Think about it.
These rules and laws hold true, whether 50,000 years ago, or today. Whether you’re Muslim or Jew. Whether you’re in Germany, Canada, or the Andromeda Galaxy 2 million light years away.
These are the rules that determine how space and time interact, how matter behaves…basically, how everything is made (including us).
THOSE..to me, are the REAL truths!!
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
Kelly says
Karen,
That is a heck of a thought-provoking quotation. To Robert’s point, which you accidentally started him on: Gibran says “reveal,” and “teach,” but doesn’t say “lead.”
I think that (mad, evil, etc.) leaders with blind followers are neither revealing nor teaching, but bullying, preying on fears and insecurities, and obscuring. By the end of that, the followers beliefs and self-concept have been warped, but they’ve been taught not a thing.
So I’m happily nodding about the truth there: that we can only be taught what we are open to in some way.
The post and the comments are just wonderful here today!
Regards,
Kelly
Evelyn Lim says
My sentiments exactly! I love the quote! It’s also what the Buddha taught and I’m definitely in tune with it on the things I’m doing.
Taking the often painful steps in a journey of self discovery, I do not seek to convince others about the things I write about on my site. It is always about sharing but a gentle suggestion that the reader go explore his or her own truths.
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Mind Travel To Ancient Egypt
Karen Swim says
Everyone, I was tempted so often throughout the day to answer every comment but it just seemed right to let the discussion unfold. Your comments have been so deeply insightful and have enriched my words in ways I never expected. This is the greatest joy to write words that inspire discussion. Thank you for reading, sharing and teaching me. I am truly grateful to each of you!
Melissa Donovan says
I believe that for many people, the most difficult thing to follow is their own heart. True leaders don’t come along very often, and when they do, I think we all need to stand up and pay attention. False leaders will try to distract us. In the end, it always comes back to what is in each of our hearts and finding a way to follow that.
Robert Hruzek says
Wow, Brad – that answer is SO much better than the one I’ve been working on!
Ulla, I believe there is only one Truth. And as Karen mentioned, we can choose to listen or ignore it.
One way to test the universality of truth is to universally apply it. Thus if, as the Nazis claimed, the “truth” meant exterminating the Jews, then why hadn’t all people, everywhere already been doing just that?
The reason is simple: because, up until then, it was wrong!
No, they first had to convince people of the “truthfulness” of their actions before they were able to attempt to carry it out. And those people chose to ignore what they knew was right in favor of something else. As Brad pointed out, from then on, their lack of faith and/or convictions was enough to feed it.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..First Thoughts About Ike
Brad Shorr says
For me, “blind faith” is an oxymoron. I’ve found that to believe – really believe – I must look deeply into an idea, and then into my own heart. I think it’s a lack of faith and an unwillingness to test one’s convictions that lead people to do the unspeakable.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..8 Great Writing and Marketing Reads
Ulla Hennig says
May I just join this discussion? And ask a very provocative question? Is there one truth? Wendi, you asked: “IF People had been listening to the councel of their own mind and heart before ushering people into the gas chambers would they have done it?” When they did so, most of them were thoroughly convinced that it was their right to do so. They were convinced that they were doing the right thing. Their truth was that the jewish race was subhuman and had no right to exist.
There were other German people who knew that what they did was wrong, but they didn’t want to get any problems with their jobs, or didn’t want to go to prison. “Avoid unpleasant things” – that was their truth. And there were others, who stood up and helped Jewish people because they could not tolerate those horrible things. That was their truth.
I was born late after the end of World War II. My parents were born in 1914, so they lived through the Nazi regime. They had their truth also… And I? What would I have done if I lived through that time? I know what I would have liked to do – I hate fascism – but would I have done it?
Please excuse this lenghty comment – somehow I must have been carried away…
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Art on the Ceiling
screenwritingforhollywood says
“No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.”
I agree with that. One must be ready to receive, wanting to learn, yearning for change.
“The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness.”
Yes, it is best to teach by example, not preaching.
“If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”
Exactly what I have thought since I was a kid when watching the forcefulness of certain people and groups.
Lovely post Karen.
screenwritingforhollywoods last blog post..Sunday Picture Post 29 / Born Ready
Robert Hruzek says
Oops; didn’t mean to derail your train of thought, Wendi. For some strange reason, train wrecks seem to follow me around. Something to do with “strange attractors”, I think…
Anyway, I completely agree with you that deep down, we DO know the difference between right and wrong. It is, I believe, an inherent characteristic of being human
However, it is also possible to become so hardened that one can no longer “hear” that inner truth anymore. History is full of examples, one of which you alluded to. There are many others.
There’s a great little principle the Apostle Paul wrote once that really says it all, and is applicable to anyone, anywhere. I’ll summarize it this way: Do not blindly accept what you hear; test it for its inherent truth.
Karen Swim says
Friar, hehehhee..Hey! I didn’t remember that was Jethro’s last name. Good on you! 🙂
Robert, lol! See this would explain so much! LOL! I love the follow-on thought. It brings to mind Luke 4:24 where it discusses a prophet not being honored (welcomed) in his own country. The greatest leaders of all time were not followed by many but only a courageous few who saw Truth. In fact in their lifetime, greatness was not recognized. The parallel to yesterday was unintentional but greater forces than little ol me are clearly at work, but the followers who flocked to the mountain ties in here. Whoo, great thoughts Robert!
Wendy, your last line nails it , you want to not have to…I do think that barring mental disease we choose to listen or mute the voice of truth. We do know what is right for the big moral decisions and the day to day small decisions. We can quench the voice or listen and if quenched too often the wrong path begins to look like the right one. Great, thought provoking insights Wendi.
I am going to grab some green tea and think over all of these thoughts and then I may watch Jethro and the Clampetts and laugh my head off. 🙂
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations says
Hmmm, I had a perfectly good comment in my mind and Robert’s comment made me go Hmmm, good point.
OK…But then…“No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.
With those bad ones that come to mind…Inside of all of us…isn’t there a part of us that REALLY knows right from wrong? IF we are listening? IF People had been listening to the councel of their own mind and heart before ushering people into the gas chambers would they have done it? NO..they followed BLINDLY…Or with great anquish probably..actually… in a lot of cases, feeling like they had no options.
But I believe there is a case to be made for what the Prophet has to say.The key word here is Require. You want to follow a great leader…you aren’t required to.
Robert Hruzek says
“A great leader does not require followers for he or she follows their own wisdom.”
To which I say: Especially if you’re, you know, insane. 😀 (Karen, you just knew I had to say that!)
Anyhoo-
This leads to an interesting follow up thought, though. Is the measure of a leader’s real greatness the number, and perhaps the fervor, of their followers?
I don’t think I’m prepared to say yes to that. After all, I’m sure you can recall some great leaders (with a large number of quite devoted followers) who did some pretty bad stuff, don’t ya know.
So there has to be some standard with which to apply against every leader, don’t you think?
Sorry; just a randomly generated thought. You can return to your regularly scheduled program now. 😉
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..First Thoughts About Ike
Friar says
Okay, I know this is completely off topic…
But I never heard anyone say “aught” before.
Except Jethro Bodine on the Beverly Hillbillies. (When he told everyone he was a “Double-Aught Spy).
😉
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read