If not me, who?
If not now, when?
Hillel
My take: I think of this quote when I find myself in a situation that makes me uncomfortable. Whether I'm in the midst of a conversation that I don't agree with or if I'm simply walking down the street and see a piece of trash. I think to myself, "if not me, who? if not now, when?" Who is going to speak up on my behalf? When? Who is going to pick up this piece of trash? When? You see, we can't wait for someone else to do things that we can do. I said "can," it doesn't have to be something we "need" to do. You were given a brain overflowing with opinions and thoughts. Use it. Give people a different point of view to ponder. Speak up. Act. If not you, who?
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
My take: As much as we try to avoid it, things will happen. Life happens when things don't go as planned. When ideas and goals are derailed you are forced to act. You are forced to improve. To make do with what you have. Everyone around you is going through the same things you are. Look at the people around you. I assure you that at one point in their lives they've cried, they've laughed. We are a complex people. We vary immensely in our opinions, ideas, values, morals and ideals- but we all cry the same. We all feel lonely, bitter, lost, happy, loved. You are no better than anyone else and I assure you that no one is better than you. We're all the same. We are all in the same boat.
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