If one is merely a marionette, repeating what others poured into you, then what you say and do will usually be rather robotic, quite puppet-like… though it will seem quite pleasant and socially acceptable to you (while you feel quite unique). There are so many standardized lemmings out there. To question things fundamentally, deeply, with substantial passion, takes great intelligence. That great intelligence (naturally) is largely constituted of immense vastness, which inherently includes compassion. Compassion acts beyond many of the limits of ordinary perception. It perceives beyond all of the mundane, superficial, circumscribed borders. It is not tethered by stale, dinosaurian, antiquated beliefs. Such intelligence (i.e., such profound, penetrating insight) is extremely rare in the world as it now exists; miseducation has a lot to do with it. Acceptance of mediocrity has a lot to do with it.
Wild Spiderwort … Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2019
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Gorgeous spiderworts. They’re one of my favorite wildflowers, and the purple ones can fairly gleam. As for your words, you brought to mind a quotation I’ve included on my About page. Jose Marti, Cuban statesman, poet, and journalist once said, “A genuine man goes to the roots. To be a radical is no more than that: to go to the roots. He who does not see things in their depth should not call himself a radical.”
Thanks regarding the Spiderworts, Linda, and i’m so glad that you gave my writing some real consideration. It requires a fundamental change in consciousness (which involves the only true going to the roots).
Some of the greatest social movements start out of compassion. It may start with the question, “What do I want to stand for and how can I give back?”
Yes, compassion is a real (significant) part of it. But real, lasting change cannot happen until there is a fundamental change in consciousness.
Wow, so beautiful. I love the flowers 😊
Thank you, Marie! 🙂
Very moving words and image! I, too, shake my head at the lemmings and constantly feel the pull to do and be more, driven by compassion and passion, intellect and emotion. Spending my days with high-school seniors as a teacher is one satisfying outlet for me, as well as the hope that using my talents can change the world, or at least impact one person positively. 🙂
Thank you, Laura! 🙂 Doing it (i.e., teaching well) in standardized, regular (non-alternative) schools renders it difficult but it still can be done. When i was young and in high school i was greatly benefitted by being given Walt Whitman and E.E.Cummings to read.
from Walt Whitman:
“You will hardly know who I am or what I mean,
But I shall be good health to you nevertheless,
And filter and fibre your blood.”
That little flower packs a lot of punch!
Not as much as i wish my words did. 🙂
Absolutely spot on observation.
I certainly hope that you are referring mostly to the writing! 🙂
Beautiful flowers – such a lovely colour.
Thank you Scifi! I wonder if you will be getting another dog soon?
I have been looking for the right one, but that is on hold for now, as family will be visiting soon.
🙂
Seems like a very apt description of all politicians.
Not all politicians. Some, a few, really care and are attempting to get us to be more sane and compassionate. 🙂 But there sure is a lot of deception, bamboozling, and claptrap out there!
Those are some wise words and a beautiful Wild Spiderwort Tom.
Thank you, Linda; glad you liked both. I spent the day cleaning aquariums (which made it a worthwhile, good day). 🙂
Anything to benefit nature and get enjoyment from nature is a day well spent in my opinion too Tom.