Inspirational Quotes for the WEEKEND

By Dr Charles Leyman Kachitsa

From since the time we are born, every individual human being has a path that they follow, in some cases find themselves following. The dynamics that determine which path one is following is so complex that getting to the bottom of it is as we have always found out about life and nature, it has no answers to everything, this being one of those. Our path are charted right from birth.

Choices whether it be from parents or in adult life (our own choices), most often determine which path we will be on. Apart from that, the environment around which we live, has a huge bearing as to which path one is put on. It is only by being enlightened that we start examining which path we are on and if need be make necessary adjustments, attempt to change the path to another one and or make a detour. In all cases one has to know the destination that the path they are on will lead them to. Some instances, there may be need to change the path and destination at the same time.

There are times between individuals and amongst people, where our paths cross. It could be the meeting of two people or one individual meeting a group or indeed two groups meeting, therefore crossing paths. It is such that perhaps would be the beginning of a long term relationship. It might also mean the commencement of people walking together for a bit of the journey and at a certain point deciding to go separate ways. No matter the outcome, when paths cross, it is always a celebratory occasion.

The quotes this week are a final extraction from a book which when read in full provides an in-depth analysis of the understanding of different people according to their behaviors which most often is aligned to their environment. I am sure the few selected quotations below from this book will enlighten you to one or two life lessons, read and enjoy:

CULTURES AND ORGANIZATIONS by Geert Hofstede

\”Using the word \’culture\’ for both nation and organisations suggests that the two kinds of culture are identical phenomena. This is incorrect: a nation is not an organisation, and the two types of \’culture\’ are of different nature.\”

\”……. The inexperienced foreigner can make an effort to learn some of the symbols and rituals of the new environment (words to use, how to greet, when to bring presents) but it is unlikely that he or she can recognize, let alone feel the underlying values. In a way, the visitor in a foreign culture returns to the mental state of an infant, in which he or she has to learn the simplest things over again. This usually leads to feelings of distress, of helplessness, and of hostility towards the new environment. Often one\’s physical functioning is affected. Expatriates and migrants have more need for medical help shortly after their displacement than before or later.\”

\”Territorial expansion is not the only \’casus belli\’ (reason for war). Human groups have found many other excuses fo collectively attacking others. As external enemy has always been one of the most effective ways to maintain internal cohesion. ………… Racism assumes the innate superiority of one group over another and uses this to justify using violence for the purposes of maintaining this superiority. Totalitarian ideologies like apartheid impose definitions which may be changed from one day to another. Culture pessimists wonder whether human societies can exist without enemies.\”

\”Political fundamentalism of the Marxist or fascist kind seem to have lost popularity in most places, but religious fundamentalism hold sway in many parts of the world. In this book they are considered manifestation of uncertainty avoidance ….., and a fluctuating phenomenon  – as world history has amply shown. They are a basic expression of human anxiety and as such they will never disappear, nor, fortunately, ever triumph for long or in large parts of the world. They hurt themselves against the variety in values which will always exist in the world; and because of their absolute claims they carry the seeds of their own schisms and bankruptcy.\”