things that confuse me
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalHealth/Pri_Diseases/
So, is it actually better to make lots of money and then donate it? Or is it better to try and live a lifestyle that is ethical in and of itself? Or are there other options that I'm missing somewhere?
Also, I just finished reading Ed Husain's The Islamist: Why I joined radical Islam in Britain, what I saw inside and why I left. I appreciated loads of it, really resonated with other bits, was fascinated by much, was scared by some, but am still left wondering a few things. First of all, I went to university too long not to need more proof of the author's credibility. Secondly...I'm not sure what the second bit is. Well, maybe part of it is that his journey from a politicized faith to a more Sufi path force me to look at my own faith. Maybe I don't give enough credence to the value of a personal faith. That said, I think there are many ways to bring your faith into contact with the world without being anything like the "Islamism" he describes. I wish other people would read this book then give me opinions to weigh.
He has some excellent Rumi quotations. This one in particular resonated with me, though not just about faith in God, but about various life undertakings:
"When you put a cargo on board a ship, you make that venture on trust,
For you do not know whether you will be drowned or safely reach the other shore.
If you say, 'I will not embark til I am certain of my fate,' then you will do no trade:
The secret of these two destinies is never disclosed.
The faint-hearted merchant neither gains nor loses; nay he loses,
For he is deprived of his fortune. Only those who are zealous in their search, who faithfully seek the flame, find the light.
Since all affairs turn upon hope, for thereby you win salvation."
So, is it actually better to make lots of money and then donate it? Or is it better to try and live a lifestyle that is ethical in and of itself? Or are there other options that I'm missing somewhere?
Also, I just finished reading Ed Husain's The Islamist: Why I joined radical Islam in Britain, what I saw inside and why I left. I appreciated loads of it, really resonated with other bits, was fascinated by much, was scared by some, but am still left wondering a few things. First of all, I went to university too long not to need more proof of the author's credibility. Secondly...I'm not sure what the second bit is. Well, maybe part of it is that his journey from a politicized faith to a more Sufi path force me to look at my own faith. Maybe I don't give enough credence to the value of a personal faith. That said, I think there are many ways to bring your faith into contact with the world without being anything like the "Islamism" he describes. I wish other people would read this book then give me opinions to weigh.
He has some excellent Rumi quotations. This one in particular resonated with me, though not just about faith in God, but about various life undertakings:
"When you put a cargo on board a ship, you make that venture on trust,
For you do not know whether you will be drowned or safely reach the other shore.
If you say, 'I will not embark til I am certain of my fate,' then you will do no trade:
The secret of these two destinies is never disclosed.
The faint-hearted merchant neither gains nor loses; nay he loses,
For he is deprived of his fortune. Only those who are zealous in their search, who faithfully seek the flame, find the light.
Since all affairs turn upon hope, for thereby you win salvation."
posted by dm at 8:54 PM
2 Comments:
"So, is it actually better to make lots of money and then donate it? Or is it better to try and live a lifestyle that is ethical in and of itself? Or are there other options that I'm missing somewhere?"
We should talk. ;)
And soon we will be! Isn't that nifty?
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