Change begins with quiet empathy
In any given country,
countless people with various thoughts and feelings live together.
Among them are those who
act with a sense of purpose to make their country a better place.
There is something deeply moving about seeing them struggle,
believing in what is right and in their ideals.
But—
no matter how noble a belief may be,
if it does not touch the hearts of individuals,
people will eventually
drift away quietly.
The thoughts and feelings that have truly endured for a long time
in every era and every country
have always begun with empathy for a few neighbors.
When someone quietly reaches out, saying “I feel the same way,”
that warmth eventually spreads like a flickering light.
Touched by that warmth,
the next person takes
another small step forward.
Even a large, blooming flower starts as a tiny sprout.
Even a seed trembling in the soil
reached toward the light and grew.
True change is nurtured by
modest empathy and
quiet steps.
“This is all I can do,” the feeling that you are limited—that very thought
is truly the very first step.
Please, believe in the
kindness within you.