The concept of interdependence may seem jarring when we first apply it to ourselves personally. Sometimes when people first hear the idea that they are interdependent, they think that this somehow negates their individuality. This is far from the case. Our individuality is not threatened by interdependence. On the contrary, it is interdependence that has allowed us to develop the personality traits that define us in unique ways

17th Karmapa

from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society

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Further quotes from the book Interconnected:

• Thinking about the consequences of our collective actions
• Naturalness
• The workings of interdependence
• Inner freedom is key
• The ability to experience genuine closeness
• Becoming stuck in a quagmire of self-obsession
• Enthusiastically benefiting whomever we come in contact with
• Our innate ability to connect with others
• Interdependence always works both ways
• Enjoying the goodness of what you are doing
• A Vast and Complex Web of Causality
• A greater sense of possibility
• Concealing our weaknesses
• Cultivating a spirit of generosity
• The impulse to connect
• Viewing others through the lens of interdependence
• Interdependent individual
• Bringing about real change in the world
• Experiencing connection rather than isolation