Quotes From "Splendid Literarium: A Treasury Of Stories Aphorisms Poems And Essays" By Aberjhani

It can be difficult to speak truth to power. Circumstances,...
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It can be difficult to speak truth to power. Circumstances, however, have made doing so increasingly necessary. Aberjhani
Making the choice to exercise compassion is an expression of...
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Making the choice to exercise compassion is an expression of Love for Humanity and Life itself. Aberjhani
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History, too, has a penchant for giving birth to itself over and over again, and those whom it appoints agents of change and progress do not always accept their destinies willingly. Aberjhani
There is within the human heart a quality of intelligence...
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There is within the human heart a quality of intelligence which has been known to surpass that attributed to the human mind. Aberjhani
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There is nothing sane, merciful, heroic, devout, redemptive, wise, holy, loving, peaceful, joyous, righteous, gracious, remotely spiritual, or worthy of praise where mass murder is concerned. We have been in this world long enough to know that by now and to understand that nonviolent conflict resolution informed by mutual compassion is the far better option. Aberjhani
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Simple shifts in points of view can open doors to expansions of consciousness as easily as rigid dispositions can close hearts and minds to such elevated awareness. It generally depends on whether you allow fear and violence to rule your actions or whether you give wisdom, courage, and compassion the authority to do so. Aberjhani
The glorification of hatred is predicated on a foundation of...
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The glorification of hatred is predicated on a foundation of fear-induced ignorance venomous to haters and those they believe they hate. Aberjhani
Poetry empowers the simplest of lives to confront the most...
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Poetry empowers the simplest of lives to confront the most extreme sorrows with courage, and motivates the mightiest of offices to humbly heed lessons in compassion. Aberjhani
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Diversity is an aspect of human existence that cannot be eradicated by terrorism or war or self-consuming hatred. It can only be conquered by recognizing and claiming the wealth of values it represents for all. Aberjhani
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Human beings, in a sense, may be thought of as multidimensional creatures composed of such poetic considerations as the individual need for self-realization, subdued passions for overwhelming beauty, and a hunger for meaning beyond the flavors that enter and exit the physical body. Aberjhani
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Individuals often turn to poetry, not only to glean strength and perspective from the words of others, but to give birth to their own poetic voices and to hold history accountable for the catastrophes rearranging their lives. Aberjhani
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Democracy is not simply a license to indulge individual whims and proclivities. It is also holding oneself accountable to some reasonable degree for the conditions of peace and chaos that impact the lives of those who inhabit one’s beloved extended community. Aberjhani
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Our greatest power as nations and individuals is not the ability to employ assault weapons, suicide bombers, and drones to destroy each other. The greater more creative powers with which we may arm ourselves are grace and compassion sufficient enough to love and save each other. Aberjhani
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Individual cultures and ideologies have their appropriate uses but none of them erase or replace the universal experiences, like love and weeping and laughter, common to all human beings. Aberjhani
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If the idea of loving those whom you have been taught to recognize as your enemies is too overwhelming, consider more deeply the observation that we are all much more alike than we are unalike. Aberjhani
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The acknowledgement of a single possibility can change everything. Aberjhani
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When the lyrical muse sings the creative pen dances. Aberjhani
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Humanity is not without answers or solutions regarding how to liberate itself from scenarios that invariably end with mass exterminations. Tools such as compassion, trust, empathy, love, and ethical discernment are already in our possession. The next sensible step would be to use them. Aberjhani
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On either side of a potentially violent conflict, an opportunity exists to exercise compassion and diminish fear based on recognition of each other's humanity. Without such recognition, fear fueled by uninformed assumptions, cultural prejudice, desperation to meet basic human needs, or the panicked uncertainty of the moment explodes into violence. Aberjhani
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Discourse and critical thinking are essential tools when it comes to securing progress in a democratic society. But in the end, unity and engaged participation are what make it happen. Aberjhani