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It is the integrity of each individual human that is in final examination. On personal integrity hangs humanity's fate. You can decieve others, you can decieve your brain-self, but you can't decieve your mind-self - for mind deals only in the discovery of truth and the interrelationship of all truths. The cosmic laws with which mind deals are noncorruptible. Cosmic evolution is omniscient God comprehensively articulate.

Buckminster Fuller#65

HumanityTruthIntegrityConsciousnessCosmosSelf awarenessSelf deception

About this quote

What does it mean?
Humanity's survival depends on individual honesty with oneself, as the mind inherently seeks truth regardless of self-deception.
In plain terms
Your personal honesty determines the future of all people.
What can you take from it?
Stay truthful to your own mind to ensure collective survival.

Where it applies

  • personal decision making
  • ethical leadership
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • practice daily honesty
  • audit your motivations
  • prioritize truth over comfort

Questions to consider

  • How often do you deceive yourself?
  • What truth are you avoiding?

Another view

The claim that cosmic laws are noncorruptible is metaphysical and unproven.

More from Buckminster Fuller

  1. The nearest each of us can come to God is by loving the truth.

    Permalink to quote #64
  2. Humans have always unknowingly affected all Universe by every act and thought they articulate or even consider. . . . Realistic, comprehensively responsible, o…

    Permalink to quote #66
  3. Whether it is to be Utopia or Oblivion will be a touch-and-go relay race right up to the final moment. . . . Humanity is in 'final exam' as to whether or not i…

    Permalink to quote #63

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