Our attempts to live humanely in this world are never wasted. Cultivate love, not anger. This might just be what it takes to save us from extinction. If we train in opening our hearts and minds, we will find that others are no different than ourselves.
We must seek a level of consciousness beyond the intellect. We must study, but not to the point that the emphasis on direct experience is lost. If we combine the intellect with direct experience, then there will be no barriers to the wordless perception of reality.
These ancient words are not the medicine, only the prescription; not the destination, but a map to help you reach it. Using words as a guide and to see with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, is the only way to the destination.
If we are to lead others, we first must learn to serve. We must remain accessible and responsive to the views of those we lead. At the same time, we must have firm principles so that we do not vacillate when there is only a question of current opinion.
Quote: One thing I know for sure is that I know nothing. Socrates