Viewing ourselves through the lens of interdependence brings certain qualities and values into focus. For example, when we hold to a sense of ourselves as utterly independent, we can come to believe and behave as if we were entirely self-made, as if our own individuality called together all the conditions needed to bring us into being. This can lead to false pride and overbearing arrogance, as if we independently created our own individuality and owe nothing to anyone. When we ignore our interdependence, we are disregarding the importance of others to our well-being. We devalue their contributions to who we are. This kind of pride is a symptom of narrow view. It is a harmful delusion that can seriously impair our ability to relate in healthy way to others.
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
- Self-reliance
- The interdependence between us and the world
- The impulse to connect
- Cultivating a spirit of generosity
- Interdependent individuals
- A greater sense of possibility
- Inner conditions of interdependence
- Interdependence always works both ways
- Our innate ability to connect with others