We humans share almost 99 percent of our genetic material with Bonobo apes. So why do we draw such huge distinctions between ourselves based on mere conditions like language or religion or nationality? he said. But for one or another small swivel of genetic matter, we are all essentially not only similar but relatedeach and every person on this earth. Race, religion genderall the ways by which we are defined, which we are divided by each otheramount to nothing. Its just the way small minds keep score.
Simon spoke toSouthwestern students, alumni, faculty and staff as well as visitorsat the event. In his lecture titled Let Yourself Be Changed, Simon told students that it is important to collect a variety of experiences, even those unrelated to their desired field of study.
Worry less about experience thats pertinent and more about doing something interesting, fun, useful or sometimes utterly irrelevant to what the rest of your life is going to be. Because now is the time, he said. If you have a rich, full life, you wont have the same convictions five, 10 or 15 much less 20 or 30 years from now that you do today, but you will have something better. You will have lived and learned.
The line between learning and living, in my mind, is illusionary and uninformed,because loss, fear, grief, love, faith, failure and the mercy of time teachestoo.
Photo by Emilie Lutostanski
