What Is the Mark of True Civilization

Kindness and compassion toward all living things is the mark of a civilized society.

  • César Chávez

Loving without Barriers

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.

  • Maya Angelou

We Are Created by Love

I believe that the world was created and approved by love, that it subsists, coheres, and endures by love, and that, insofar as it is redeemable, it can be redeemed only by love.

  • Wendell Berry

Ode to Dirt

Dear dirt, I am sorry I slighted you, 
I thought you were only the background 
for the leading characters—the plants 
and animals and human animals. 
It’s as if I had loved only the stars 
and not the sky which gave them space 
in which to shine …

  • Sharon Olds

Love’s Weaving

Love weaves itself from hundreds of threads.

  • David Levithan

Planting

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

  • Unknown, though attributed to Martin Luther

We Are Never Alone

Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations and concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living.

  • Rachel Carson

Which Path to Take?

To learn something new, take the path that you took yesterday.

  • John Burroughs

The Gift of Paradox

Paradox is where enlightenment is born – it’s not about resolving or conquering paradox by choosing one side; rather, it’s in the tension of more than one true being true that a new wisdom arises.

  • Kai Cheng Thorn

The Dawning of a New Day

There is a deep, peaceful calm in the dawning of a new day.

  • Alan Watts