"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves — or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honor, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn." – Sophie Scholl
6 comments:
This was a super cool post... it will give me a lot to think about over the coming days...
... new pic looks good! Now I REALLY wished I could have talked you into coffee somewhere in Royal Oak and got a chance to have met you..!
Mark - The quote is indeed powerful and the life of Sophie Scholl incredibly inspiring. What a young woman of such courage!!
If you come back for a visit, maybe we can have that talk over coffee, the new look notwithstanding. :-)
Happy Holidays!!
Judith - I'm glad to see you back on your blog—especially with the new look.
I really enjoyed your quote from Sophie Scholl, especially since it is so timely. I also am reminded of her reported final words as she went to her execution: "How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause."
This quote called to mind many of the real people cast in the Lemonade-Detroit documentary, who are giving themselves up individually to a righteous cause—the rebuilding of Detroit.
In case you haven't seen the trailer for the Lemonade-Detroit documentary, let me know and I'll send you a link to it—I found it very inspiring.
I hope you keep posting to your blog from time to time—I'll keep checking.
Merry Christmas!
Bob - It's really good to "see" you!
I love the Sophie Scholl quote. Thank you. I am so moved by her dedication and courage. Her life is a testament that a single life can alter the environment for years to come. Her life changes mine.
Wow! From what you've written here, Lemonade-Detroit sounds like a documentary that I would really appreciate seeing. In spite of the hardship, we survive. Thanks for the reference. And, yes, do provide a link.
I will continue to post periodically and pop over to your blog as well. You always have such thoughtful things to share.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!
Judith - Here is a link to the Lemonade-Detroit trailer. The full film is not yet complete, but the trailer itself is great. http://vimeo.com/28279409
If I was a few years younger I would be headed back to Detroit--it's a place that every aspiring entrepreneur should be strongly looking at.
Let me know what you think.
WONDERFUL, Bob!! Very moving and on point. Thanks so much! I've been an entrepreneur for many years and have begun yet another business here in Detroit. Every time my business partner and I drive through various areas of Detroit we are amazed at the extraordinary infrastructure. It's all here. We need not begin from scratch again.
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