Making a Difference

EXCERPTS FROM THE est GRADUATE REVIEW

 "Contributing Transformation in the World" Werner Erhard, from the est Graduate Review, March 1980

In manifesting your aliveness, you will want to follow a principle which was beautifully stated by Albert Schweitzer when he said, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Notice that Dr. Schweitzer says "sought and found how to serve." He did not say "try to serve," or "try something and drop it," or "do the best you can."

Happiness comes from having served successfully.

One continues to expand in one's ability to serve by meeting the challenge of actually delivering the results.

Decide on a project for which you are willing to take complete responsibility. Complete the project successfully. Relate this achievement to others as an inspiration for them. Your willingness to express yourself may be just the trigger needed by someone else to do something for themselves. From now on, don't wait for something to happen to you. Actually take responsibility for making something happen. Keep at it until you make it a successful experience for everyone. You can make the difference.

 “A Shot Heard ‘Round the World: A World that Works for Everyone, A Report On The Impact Of A Recent Event With Werner” by Mary Earle and Neal Rogin, April 1980

Transformation does not negate what has gone before it; rather, it fulfills it. Creating the context of a world that works for everyone is not just another step forward in human history; it is the context out of which our history will begin to make sense.

A key to mastery, Werner Erhard emphasized, lies in the willingness to risk failure. In a you and me world, every failure, every obstacle is the opportunity for a breakthrough. Transforming failure into breakthrough is perhaps the basic principle in a new set of principles, for it enlivens failure and inadequacy so that they contribute to the whole. Read More...