How does anyone ever learn a really new thing?

How does anyone ever learn a really new thing? Since utopias are by definition ‘new,’ ‘not-yet,’ ‘other,’ human beings will be able to function in them in ways that do not throw us back to the old order only if we pay enough attention to the learning. Wishful thinking about the desired transformation of consciousness as an inevitable historical process distracts us from studying the difficult disciplines that will make transformation possible.”

— Elise Boulding, 2000
Quaker sociologist and writer

Study the difficult disciplines that will make transformation possible.

When has your Quaker faith come into contrast or conflict with the practices or expectations of the wider world?

What did you learn about yourself and your faith?

Share your response!

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Banner art by Winslow Homer

Author

  • Elise M. Boulding (July 6, 1920 – June 24, 2010) was a Norwegian-born American Quaker sociologist, activist, and author. She was a major contributor to creating the academic discipline of Peace and Conflict Studies.

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