16 Mar 2015

A quotation continuing on the theme of environmental diversity (but this quotation could apply to our relationships with others as well as the environment):

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Dame Jane Goodall (b. 1934; English primatologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace)

9 Mar 2015

Moving on from the last few quotations about diversity among humans, here is a quotation – and a challenge – about environmental diversity:

“We do justice to what we are as human beings when we seek to do justice to the diversity of life around us; we become what we are supposed to be when we assume our responsibility for life continuing on earth. And that call to do justice brings with it the call to re-examine what we mean by growth and wealth.”

Rowan Williams (Anglican bishop, theologian and poet; Lecture given on 13/10/2009)

2 Mar 2015

Continuing on the theme of ‘Diversity’:

“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.”

Ola Joseph (Nigerian-born speaker, author & trainer)

23 Feb 2015

Another quotation on the theme of ‘Diversity’:

“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse gift will find a fitting place.”

Margaret Mead (from “Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies” 1935, p322)

16 Feb 2015

Over the next few weeks, I’ll share some quotations on the theme of ‘Diversity’ (the University’s “Celebrating Diversity” Day is on 4 March).

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

Audre Lorde (1934-1992; Caribbean-American writer, poet & activist)

17 Nov 2014

Interfaith Week begins on Sunday 16 November and during the week many will be celebrating the richness and diversity of faith, recognising that we all belong to one human race. So some suitable words from Nelson Mandela:

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Nelson Mandela (Long Walk to Freedom, Abacus, 1995)