As I mentioned earlier, although the idea of being interdependent may be gaining widespread recognition only recently, we have always been interdependent. Nothing has changed in that regard. Nor is there any conflict between being an individual and being interdependent. The contradiction lies in the gap between our assumptions about how we exist as individuals and how we actually exist, namely as interdependent individuals. The only contradiction is between reality and our view of reality.
17th Karmapa
from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.
Further quotes from the book Interconnected:
- You exist in connection with others
- The ability to experience genuine closeness
- Dismantling the walls that separate us
- Being an interdependent individual
- Individualism or interdependence
- Self-reliance
- The air we breathe
- Naturalness
- The deeper common ground all living being share
- Everything and everyone is benefiting you
- The imagination to see the other as free and happy
- Inner conditions of interdependence
- The interdependence between us and the world
- The impulse to connect
- Cultivating a spirit of generosity
- A greater sense of possibility
- Interdependence at work
- Interdependence always works both ways
- Our innate ability to connect with others