The Invisible Mentor

Can a Group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens Make a Difference? Margaret Mead Thought So

July 6th, 2009 |

: Image via Wikipedia

A favourite quotation of many, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” by Margaret Mead (1901-1978) tells us that each of us can help to change the world if we get organized and focus our energies. A large group of people can have a big impact on a worthy cause, but in the absence of a large group of people, a smaller one can still have an impact so there is no reason for inaction.

We often think, “What can I do as one person?” but we should never doubt our capacity to make a difference in this world, even if it is one person at a time.

How do you interpret the above Margaret Mead quote? Do you agree with the quote? Have you ever organized a group of people for a cause that you were passionate about? If yes, what were the results?

Note: Based on what I have researched, I have written the following Meadisms. I am projecting what I think Margaret Mead would say. Mead was ahead of her time, and she often made those around her uncomfortable because of her beliefs and works. Mead was unconventional: She kept her maiden name after she was married, she proposed that students should be paid to go to college, some considered her first book Coming of Age in Samoa: A Psychological Study of Primitive Youth for Western Civilisation (Perennial Classics), a “sexbook”.

Mentors: Ruth Benedict and Franz Boas

Her Calling: Anthropology

Distinction: First anthropologist to look at human development in a cross-cultural perspective

One Core Belief: “Cultural patterns of racism, warfare, and environmental exploitation [are] learned, and the members of a society could work together to modify their traditions and to construct new institutions.”

Quote Which Embodies Her Essence: “Anthropology demands the open-mindedness with which one must look and listen, record in astonishment and wonder that which one would not have been able to guess.” Margaret Mead

Margaret Meadisms: What Margaret Mead Would Blog About

Read an introductory book on anthropology to get an elementary understanding of the history of the cultural and biological diversity of people around the globe
Interact with people from other cultures to foster cultural harmony
Though what makes up being courteous, modest, having good manners, and definite ethical standards may differ around the world, they are universal characteristics in all cultures
Use video to accurately and neutrally record data
Integrate photography with your writing when possible
Share your knowledge, mentor someone today, and also seek out mentors for yourself
Be aware of what is going on around you so that you can understand trends, or even predict them
Do not let nay sayers slow you down, or affect what you do
Use your intellectual capacity to the fullest
Be generous, share your wealth, and support worthy causes
Each person has the capacity to teach and learn from another

What do you think of the above Meadisms? Which could you apply? In what ways are you a pioneer?

Sources:

Answers.com

Wikipedia

Women’s Intellectual Contributions to the Study of Mind and Society

Margaret Mead (1901-1978) An Anthropology of Human Freedom