Oftentimes have I heard you speak of one who commits a wrong as though he were not one of you, but a stranger unto you and an intruder upon your world. But I say that even as the holy and the righteous cannot rise beyond the highest which is in each one of you, So the wicked and the weak cannot fall lower than the lowest which is in you also. And as a single leaf turns not yellow but with the silent knowledge of the whole tree, So the wrong-doer cannot do wrong without the hidden will of you all. Like a procession you walk together towards your god-self. --Kahlil Gibran Image from "Into the Realm of Love and Forgiveness: The Language of Stone" by Denise Milan.

"Love is a big, bold thing. Peace is a formidable peak. But we should not run or shy away from bold things when they contain much beauty and promise within them." As the United Nations prepares for its 71st session, On Being contributor Mohammed Fairouz honors the courage of those who came before us to make bold vows and asks us to step beyond our cynicism to achieve our greatest aspirations.

This is an extraordinary time full of vital, transformative movements that could not be foreseen. It’s also a nightmarish time. Full engagement requires the ability to perceive both. --Rebecca Solnit

“It took me many years to even begin to address the concept of forgiveness regarding the events of September 11 and the loss of our beloved son, Welles Crowther," reflects Allison Crowther, whose son died saving others. In this essay she wrote two years ago, she wonders if taking action to make the world better “is not perhaps a form of forgiveness, driven by our love of our fellow human beings?”

My belief is what my whole life says. --William Stafford

The Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest Global Unity Games: Tomorrow Together are an 11 day challenge, starting tomorrow, to bring about unity in communities around the world through compassionate action and service.. Become an "Agent of Compassion," join the Global Unity Games. Sign up and get details at the link.

It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done! --Vincent Van Gogh

"I looked at him as a human being. I looked at him as a victim, as well." On WNPR Where We Live, World Without Hate founder, Rais Bhutan, recalls the transformation he experienced after surviving a hate crime fueled by anti-Muslim sentiment after 9/11. HIs non-profit is dedicated to ending the cycle of hate and violence by practicing forgiveness, compassion, and peace.

Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting. --Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco

In order to survive — both as individuals and as a civilization — and especially in order to thrive, we need the right balance of critical thinking and hope.