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About this quote

What does it mean?
The master advises that inner peace comes from self-change rather than trying to change others.
In plain terms
Focus on changing yourself instead of trying to change everyone around you.
What can you take from it?
Change yourself to find peace.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • interpersonal friction
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • daily self-reflection
  • letting go of control

Questions to consider

  • What habits of yours cause friction with others?
  • How much energy do you spend trying to change others?

Another view

Sometimes systemic issues require collective action, not just individual change.

More from Anthony de Mello

  1. Thought can organize the world so well that you are no longer able to see it.

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  2. To a visitor who asked to become his disciple the Master said, 'You may live with me, but don't become my follower.' 'Whom, then, shall I follow?' 'No one. The…

    Permalink to quote #36
  3. This is what Wisdom means: To be changed without the slightest effort on your part, to be transformed, believe it or not, merely by waking to the reality that …

    Permalink to quote #33

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