1.
These are the circles --
family, friends, community, Earth.
The educated person pays attention to each circle.
They all need care.
2.
You are neither the beginning nor the end.
But you are at the center of all things.
3.
To grow into our fullness is our natural goal,
to cultivate that which makes us human:
the necessity and ability to feel another's pain.
4.
Can there be waves without water?
So then how can there be a self without others selves?
5.
Does the stream create itself?
So then how can a person be self-made?
6.
Can there be clouds without sky?
So then why do you think you can be separate from all other things?
You are part of the universe, not apart from it.
7.
Your existence attests to my own.
My existence attests to your own.
Our existence attests to the lives of others who came before.
8.
There is no self apart from other selves.
You are human because you are like others.
9.
No one shares your history.
Therefore, you are different from any who have ever been or will be.
10.
To deny your uniqueness is an offense against yourself.
To find your uniqueness is a blessing.
11.
You are unique; you are less than perfect.
Remember both to preserve your humanity.
12.
To learn is to create.
To create is to discover your talents.
To discover your talents is to honor your uniqueness.
To know that you are like others is to honor yourself.
13.
The self disappears when all connections dissolve.
It is impermanent, like a ripple on the water.
14.
You are who you are because there are others.
Without others you could not be.
Therefore, be grateful to others for your existence.
15.
Be grateful to others for your existence.
Therefore, make this world a better place for all who now are
and for all those yet to be.