Changes

VINCENT: Will, this is Vincent. I have a [[question]] on the [[stillness]]. I believe that as we do the stillness, whether we [[feel]] any sensation or not, that it is contributing to the construction of the [[spiritual]] [[foundation]] within us. Am I [[accurate]] on this?

VINCENT: Will, this is Vincent. I have a [[question]] on the [[stillness]]. I believe that as we do the stillness, whether we [[feel]] any sensation or not, that it is contributing to the construction of the [[spiritual]] [[foundation]] within us. Am I [[accurate]] on this?

WILL: Absolutely correct. [[Sensations]] are likely to be misinterpreted anyway. [[Spiritual growth]] will find its out in the [[mental]] [[processes]] in your approach to your [[brothers and sisters]] and in the expansion of your [[capacity]] for [[love]] and [[kindness]] toward all with whom you [[share]] the [[material]] [[experience]]. The pursuit of sensations in no way differs from the [[ecstasies]] sought by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cult mystery cults] of times past. It is a by-road. It is not [[necessary]] for you to [[feel]], [[see]], hear, smell, or shiver with any sensation to hear the [[word]] of [[God]] ring true in your [[heart]]. You are opening the door. What lies beyond the door is unfathomable except with [[spiritual eyes]]. Your [[material]] [[body]] is of no use whatsoever.

WILL: Absolutely correct. [[Sensations]] are likely to be misinterpreted anyway. [[Spiritual growth]] will find its out in the [[mental]] [[processes]] in your approach to your [[brothers and sisters]] and in the expansion of your [[capacity]] for [[love]] and [[kindness]] toward all with whom you [[share]] the [[material]] [[experience]]. The pursuit of sensations in no way differs from the [[ecstasies]] sought by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cult mystery cults] of times past. It is a by-road. It is not [[necessary]] for you to [[feel]], [[see]], hear, smell, or shiver with any sensation to hear the [[word]] of [[God]] ring true in your [[heart]]. You are opening the door. What lies beyond the door is unfathomable except with [[spiritual eyes]]. Your [[material]] [[body]] is of no use whatsoever.

SOLDETTE: Will, this is Soldette and, at the [[risk]] of sounding like I'm whining, I don't know what I am [[supposed]] to do. I know that you probably know that I have been inconsistent with the [[stillness]] [[practice]] and I try to stop the [[thoughts]]. Am I just supposed to sit there and try to void [[everything]]?

SOLDETTE: Will, this is Soldette and, at the [[risk]] of sounding like I'm whining, I don't know what I am [[supposed]] to do. I know that you probably know that I have been inconsistent with the [[stillness]] [[practice]] and I try to stop the [[thoughts]]. Am I just supposed to sit there and try to void [[everything]]?

Where does the web of [[human]] [[relations]] begin and end? For each of you [[individually]] and for this [[group]] [[collectively]] it is your [[history]] and it is your [[future]], but most importantly, it is your [[eternal]] [[present]]. I compliment you on your daily [[interactions]] with people. Do not let the results of those interactions fall below the [[threshold]] of your [[awareness]]. I think you will find if you [[examine]] your [[past]] [[experiences]] that [[spontaneous]] [[enlightenment]] frequently comes from the [[exploration]] of those [[chance]] encounters with those to whom you are a [[stranger]] or merely an acquaintance and are not [[limited]] to [[conversations]] with people whom you know well. Over this coming week pay closer [[attention]] to the people you [[chance]] to encounter. The bank teller, the waitress, the clerical staff in your offices, the people you meet or whose [[paths]] you cross on the street, your [[colleagues]] with whom you would scarcely [[exchange]] a glance or a [[word]]. Each person whom you meet is an [[opportunity]] for the [[Heavenly Father]] to flex His muscles, to [[develop]] Himself and yourself in the world in which we live more richly and more deeply and more completely. By making the [[human]] [[connection]] you begin to build that network of human [[relationships]] which is the [[foundation]] for the ages of [[light and life]]. Light and life is not imposed upon a [[planet]] from above. It is not a [[program]] which begins with [[administrative]] [[coordination]]. [[Light and life]] begins with you and already has. It cannot exist except with the knowing acknowledgment of [[brotherhood and sisterhood]] of all [[persons]].

Where does the web of [[human]] [[relations]] begin and end? For each of you [[individually]] and for this [[group]] [[collectively]] it is your [[history]] and it is your [[future]], but most importantly, it is your [[eternal]] [[present]]. I compliment you on your daily [[interactions]] with people. Do not let the results of those interactions fall below the [[threshold]] of your [[awareness]]. I think you will find if you [[examine]] your [[past]] [[experiences]] that [[spontaneous]] [[enlightenment]] frequently comes from the [[exploration]] of those [[chance]] encounters with those to whom you are a [[stranger]] or merely an acquaintance and are not [[limited]] to [[conversations]] with people whom you know well. Over this coming week pay closer [[attention]] to the people you [[chance]] to encounter. The bank teller, the waitress, the clerical staff in your offices, the people you meet or whose [[paths]] you cross on the street, your [[colleagues]] with whom you would scarcely [[exchange]] a glance or a [[word]]. Each person whom you meet is an [[opportunity]] for the [[Heavenly Father]] to flex His muscles, to [[develop]] Himself and yourself in the world in which we live more richly and more deeply and more completely. By making the [[human]] [[connection]] you begin to build that network of human [[relationships]] which is the [[foundation]] for the ages of [[light and life]]. Light and life is not imposed upon a [[planet]] from above. It is not a [[program]] which begins with [[administrative]] [[coordination]]. [[Light and life]] begins with you and already has. It cannot exist except with the knowing acknowledgment of [[brotherhood and sisterhood]] of all [[persons]].

In order for this to become more than [[potential]], in order for it to become [[actual]], you must become more than [[passive]]. When you avert your eyes upon encountering a new person or encountering a known [[person]] in the same old way, you are exerting the many leveled [[denial]]. You are denying yourself the [[human]] [[connection]] with that other [[person]]. You are denying the [[Thought Adjuster]] [[connection]] between you and that other person. You are denying that [[person]] full [[participation]] in the [[brotherhood]] in [[humanity]] which is the [[necessary]] first step toward [[progress]] among [[nations]]. It takes no special [[expertise]] for me to point out that following this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1992 recent political change] that there appears to be substantial [[desire]] for betterment of [[things]] between peoples, yet it cannot be [[achieved]] by means of [[elected]] officials. It is up to you all to do the [[work]] or else there is no [[structure]] for the [[leadership]] on which to operate.

In order for this to become more than [[potential]], in order for it to become [[actual]], you must become more than [[passive]]. When you avert your eyes upon encountering a new person or encountering a known [[person]] in the same old way, you are exerting the many leveled [[denial]]. You are denying yourself the [[human]] [[connection]] with that other [[person]]. You are denying the [[Thought Adjuster]] [[connection]] between you and that other person. You are denying that [[person]] full [[participation]] in the [[brotherhood]] in [[humanity]] which is the [[necessary]] first step toward [[progress]] among [[nations]]. It takes no special [[expertise]] for me to point out that following this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1992 recent political change] that there appears to be substantial [[desire]] for betterment of [[things]] between peoples, yet it cannot be [[achieved]] by means of [[elected]] officials. It is up to you all to do the [[work]] or else there is no [[structure]] for the [[leadership]] on which to operate.

It is the old situation of openings and closings. Open yourself to people. You don't need to become mushy. You don't need to become chummy with them. But it is [[necessary]] that you acknowledge them, for we are all in this [[together]] and until every [[person]] is fully allowed into the [[brotherhood]] of man, the brotherhood remains incomplete. We [[think]] you will be pleasantly [[surprised]] if you will just exert yourself just a little bit. Open the door and let [[God]] pass through. This is the [[meaning]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1-2-3_exercise step two in our three step exercise]. The [[brotherhood]] that [[Michael]] has in [[mind]] [[embraces]] all. No one is left outside.

It is the old situation of openings and closings. Open yourself to people. You don't need to become mushy. You don't need to become chummy with them. But it is [[necessary]] that you acknowledge them, for we are all in this [[together]] and until every [[person]] is fully allowed into the [[brotherhood]] of man, the brotherhood remains incomplete. We [[think]] you will be pleasantly [[surprised]] if you will just exert yourself just a little bit. Open the door and let [[God]] pass through. This is the [[meaning]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1-2-3_exercise step two in our three step exercise]. The [[brotherhood]] that [[Michael]] has in [[mind]] [[embraces]] all. No one is left outside.

JUDY: I have one that I want to ask. If the [[stillness]] practice is so important in our [[establishment]] of our [[relationship]] with [[the Father]], why was it not addressed in the [[Urantia Book]]?

JUDY: I have one that I want to ask. If the [[stillness]] practice is so important in our [[establishment]] of our [[relationship]] with [[the Father]], why was it not addressed in the [[Urantia Book]]?

WILL: I think I can answer that based upon my own [[knowledge]]. The [[Urantia Book]] is a [[revelatory]] [[text]]. It both implicitly and explicitly [[counsels]] direct [[personal]] [[relationship]] with [[the Father]], yet it was [[thought]] that the [[prescription]] of [[mechanisms]] already widely known by several [[cultures]] on [[your planet]] would cause [[the book]] to be received and [[analyzed]] as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_guide manual] and not a [[text]]. The [[Urantia Book]] is for all people. Many [[readers]] approach and utilize [[the book]] from an [[intellectual]] [[perspective]] only. Others find its lessons too [[profound]] and disturbing. Others find that it is just right. Everyone finds [[God]], it is just a [[question]] of when.

WILL: I think I can answer that based upon my own [[knowledge]]. The [[Urantia Book]] is a [[revelatory]] [[text]]. It both implicitly and explicitly [[counsels]] direct [[personal]] [[relationship]] with [[the Father]], yet it was [[thought]] that the [[prescription]] of [[mechanisms]] already widely known by several [[cultures]] on [[your planet]] would cause [[the book]] to be received and [[analyzed]] as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_guide manual] and not a [[text]]. The [[Urantia Book]] is for all people. Many [[readers]] approach and utilize [[the book]] from an [[intellectual]] [[perspective]] only. Others find its lessons too [[profound]] and disturbing. Others find that it is just right. Everyone finds [[God]], it is just a [[question]] of when.

At the time [[the book]] was compiled and published, [[this planet]] was [[isolated]]. Under a special [[dispensation]] the work continued on [[the book]]. It was [[decided]] ultimately to go to publication in the [[hopes]] of providing the [[cornerstone]] which would be a valuable [[reference]] point for all [[persons]] and all [[cultures]], therefore no [[mechanisms]] other than the [[recitation]] of the [[techniques]] utilized by [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] were included in the [[text]]. [[Individual]] instruction of [[humans]] on [[the planet]] has always gone forward on a [[Individual|case by case]] basis and [[the Father]]'s [[Adjuster]] ministry has continued unimpeded for all [[time]]. But it was [[thought]] and is still [[accurate]] that many [[techniques]] exist among the several [[religions]] of [[your planet]] which are very close to the [[stillness]] [[practice]] and it was believed that people would, in a natural fashion, discover those [[techniques]] and begin to apply them.

At the time [[the book]] was compiled and published, [[this planet]] was [[isolated]]. Under a special [[dispensation]] the work continued on [[the book]]. It was [[decided]] ultimately to go to publication in the [[hopes]] of providing the [[cornerstone]] which would be a valuable [[reference]] point for all [[persons]] and all [[cultures]], therefore no [[mechanisms]] other than the [[recitation]] of the [[techniques]] utilized by [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] were included in the [[text]]. [[Individual]] instruction of [[humans]] on [[the planet]] has always gone forward on a [[Individual|case by case]] basis and [[the Father]]'s [[Adjuster]] ministry has continued unimpeded for all [[time]]. But it was [[thought]] and is still [[accurate]] that many [[techniques]] exist among the several [[religions]] of [[your planet]] which are very close to the [[stillness]] [[practice]] and it was believed that people would, in a natural fashion, discover those [[techniques]] and begin to apply them.

This has not happened to the extent we [[desired]], but then, what has? And so when [[Teaching Mission|this ministry]] begin it was felt that rather than offering [[personal]] [[guidance]], the correct thing to do, the most productive thing to do, would be to emphasize [[stillness]] as a [[technique]] for finding [[the Father]] [[individually]] and in group settings and we have met with some success with this. But we must admit that [[humans]] are creatures of [[habit]] and [[resistance]] to regular [[stillness]] practice still meets with [[resistance]] and the apparent human typical intransigence. Those who are sincerely interested in [[stillness]] [[practice]] manage to muddle through somehow whether or not their [[questions]] are answered. It is not important to [[understand]] how and why [[stillness]] works. It is only important to do it. It does not even matter what the mental [[attitude]] of the practitioner happens to be. It can be no more sophisticated than the burning of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense incense].

This has not happened to the extent we [[desired]], but then, what has? And so when [[Teaching Mission|this ministry]] begin it was felt that rather than offering [[personal]] [[guidance]], the correct thing to do, the most productive thing to do, would be to emphasize [[stillness]] as a [[technique]] for finding [[the Father]] [[individually]] and in group settings and we have met with some success with this. But we must admit that [[humans]] are creatures of [[habit]] and [[resistance]] to regular [[stillness]] practice still meets with [[resistance]] and the apparent human typical intransigence. Those who are sincerely interested in [[stillness]] [[practice]] manage to muddle through somehow whether or not their [[questions]] are answered. It is not important to [[understand]] how and why [[stillness]] works. It is only important to do it. It does not even matter what the mental [[attitude]] of the practitioner happens to be. It can be no more sophisticated than the burning of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense incense].

[[Stillness]] is about making yourself available to [[God]]. He is always available to you. It is not too much in turn to offer Him a few minutes. Even if it rises to nothing more than a [[gesture]] of [[respect]], it still works. It is all that is requested. You need do nothing more. But, of course, life can be much more [[rich]] and the [[participation]] of the living [[spirit]] brings its own rewards. Therefor we daily, weekly, from within and without, hammer and chisel and [[lever]] and sandbag people with suggestions [[designed]] to [[reveal]] to them the [[feeling]] that comes from greater [[participation]] in [[the Father]]'s [[creation]] and in the life [[experience]] on the [[material planets]] and the [[feeling]] of [[love]] that [[flows]] [[vertically]] from [[the Father]] above and [[horizontally]] among the [[humans]] alive. It can be a grand [[experience]]. It is not all wailing and [[suffering]].

[[Stillness]] is about making yourself available to [[God]]. He is always available to you. It is not too much in turn to offer Him a few minutes. Even if it rises to nothing more than a [[gesture]] of [[respect]], it still works. It is all that is requested. You need do nothing more. But, of course, life can be much more [[rich]] and the [[participation]] of the living [[spirit]] brings its own rewards. Therefor we daily, weekly, from within and without, hammer and chisel and [[lever]] and sandbag people with suggestions [[designed]] to [[reveal]] to them the [[feeling]] that comes from greater [[participation]] in [[the Father]]'s [[creation]] and in the life [[experience]] on the [[material planets]] and the [[feeling]] of [[love]] that [[flows]] [[vertically]] from [[the Father]] above and [[horizontally]] among the [[humans]] alive. It can be a grand [[experience]]. It is not all wailing and [[suffering]].

WILL: It has been asked as part of your standing [[Command|charge]] that you serve as a [[channel]] or a conduit for the [[celestial]] [[love]] to [[flow]]. Love is the [[currency]] of [[the universe]]. It spends everywhere. Not everyone is equally interested in [[receiving]] the benefits of heavenly [[love]] or even [[human]] love. We all know this from our [[experiences]]. But a [[kind]] word, a thoughtful [[gesture]], a genuine [[expression]] of interest were rugged [[techniques]] relied upon by [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] to open the doorway between people. I recommend these to you. There is something irresistibly [[seductive]] about the company of a [[person]] who actually [[cares]] about you. It is hard to [[resist]]. I [[think]] that every [[person]] in this group is experienced enough to deal with this in a [[mature]] fashion. Not glom it on or come across too syrupy. [[Subtlety]] is [[appreciated]]. It is a many [[faceted]] [[connection]] between people.

WILL: It has been asked as part of your standing [[Command|charge]] that you serve as a [[channel]] or a conduit for the [[celestial]] [[love]] to [[flow]]. Love is the [[currency]] of [[the universe]]. It spends everywhere. Not everyone is equally interested in [[receiving]] the benefits of heavenly [[love]] or even [[human]] love. We all know this from our [[experiences]]. But a [[kind]] word, a thoughtful [[gesture]], a genuine [[expression]] of interest were rugged [[techniques]] relied upon by [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] to open the doorway between people. I recommend these to you. There is something irresistibly [[seductive]] about the company of a [[person]] who actually [[cares]] about you. It is hard to [[resist]]. I [[think]] that every [[person]] in this group is experienced enough to deal with this in a [[mature]] fashion. Not glom it on or come across too syrupy. [[Subtlety]] is [[appreciated]]. It is a many [[faceted]] [[connection]] between people.

I often [[think]] of it in the way your [[culture]] represents [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_tales fairy tales]. The fairy with the [[magic]] [[wand]] and the [[touch]] of the wand leaves the recipient [[glowing]]; that glow to be passed on and on to the other people who the recipient [[sequentially]] [[contacts]]. [[The Father]] [[connection]], a [[gesture]] connection, the [[human]] connection. That's the course [[outline]].

I often [[think]] of it in the way your [[culture]] represents [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_tales fairy tales]. The fairy with the [[magic]] [[wand]] and the [[touch]] of the wand leaves the recipient [[glowing]]; that glow to be passed on and on to the other people who the recipient [[sequentially]] [[contacts]]. [[The Father]] [[connection]], a [[gesture]] connection, the [[human]] connection. That's the course [[outline]].

It runs in all [[directions]], like [[water]] seeking an outlet. [[Love]] is always willing to [[travel]]. Its bags are always packed. It's a useful [[practice]] to talk with [[strangers]]. You will be called upon to utilize this [[technique]] all through your [[universe career]]. Opening the [[human]] [[connection]] with [[strangers]] and with acquaintances. It is not as tricky as it seems. You can get [[good]] at it. Once they [[respond]], then you know that the door is open. That is when the [[Adjuster]] can begin. He relies on you getting the ball rolling, then He takes over. He can't do much with [[inertia]]. Besides, I'm rather [[surprised]] to hear a [[question]] like that from someone in a pack of [[jokers]] like this group. [[Humor]] breaks down many [[barriers]]. It is admired. I should of said jokesters, not jokers.

It runs in all [[directions]], like [[water]] seeking an outlet. [[Love]] is always willing to [[travel]]. Its bags are always packed. It's a useful [[practice]] to talk with [[strangers]]. You will be called upon to utilize this [[technique]] all through your [[universe career]]. Opening the [[human]] [[connection]] with [[strangers]] and with acquaintances. It is not as tricky as it seems. You can get [[good]] at it. Once they [[respond]], then you know that the door is open. That is when the [[Adjuster]] can begin. He relies on you getting the ball rolling, then He takes over. He can't do much with [[inertia]]. Besides, I'm rather [[surprised]] to hear a [[question]] like that from someone in a pack of [[jokers]] like this group. [[Humor]] breaks down many [[barriers]]. It is admired. I should of said jokesters, not jokers.

I passed up an [[opportunity]] to say earlier, these acknowledgements and these [[connections]] between people are the primary vehicle for spreading [[peace]] among people. It is the peace of [[eternity]] that finds its [[fulfillment]]. It is the peace of eternity that finds its [[expression]] in the ever widening network of [[relationships]]. That is the result of the [[touch]] of the [[wand]]. That [[peace]] is [[contagious]]. This world cannot [[progress]] without it. And [[peace]] among all the people is the [[foundation]] for greater [[intellectual]], [[scientific]] and [[social]] achievements which cannot move forward while [[rivalry]] and defensiveness are rampant. If [[fear]] is the greatest [[impediment]] to [[progress]], then [[peace]] is the greatest [[facilitator]]. That is all I have to say. Is there one more [[question]]?

I passed up an [[opportunity]] to say earlier, these acknowledgements and these [[connections]] between people are the primary vehicle for spreading [[peace]] among people. It is the peace of [[eternity]] that finds its [[fulfillment]]. It is the peace of eternity that finds its [[expression]] in the ever widening network of [[relationships]]. That is the result of the [[touch]] of the [[wand]]. That [[peace]] is [[contagious]]. This world cannot [[progress]] without it. And [[peace]] among all the people is the [[foundation]] for greater [[intellectual]], [[scientific]] and [[social]] achievements which cannot move forward while [[rivalry]] and defensiveness are rampant. If [[fear]] is the greatest [[impediment]] to [[progress]], then [[peace]] is the greatest [[facilitator]]. That is all I have to say. Is there one more [[question]]?

LOREN: Yes, Will, this is Loren, I [[perceive]] at [[work]] as I gain and [[radiate]] [[the Father]]'s [[good]] will and [[presence]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_american black people] seem to [[recognize]] this far more than [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_American white people] and the [[response]] is much greater. Is this because they are [[attuned]] with [[the Father]] more or just [[perceptive]]?

LOREN: Yes, Will, this is Loren, I [[perceive]] at [[work]] as I gain and [[radiate]] [[the Father]]'s [[good]] will and [[presence]] that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_american black people] seem to [[recognize]] this far more than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_American white people] and the [[response]] is much greater. Is this because they are [[attuned]] with [[the Father]] more or just [[perceptive]]?

WILL: They have something special. Everyone knows this. Their [[time]] in the sunshine has not yet come, but it will. And the very [[qualities]] that you detect in them will be their [[strengths]], given new rein, new [[expression]]. They have great [[vitality]] and an ability at [[immediacy]] that many others [[envy]]. I won't say more except to [[encourage]] you and all of you to [[develop]] the [[relationships]] that you have begun, to the extent possible. All there is is the people and the [[potential]] for [[growth]] that they [[represent]]. [[Growth]] for you and for them.

WILL: They have something special. Everyone knows this. Their [[time]] in the sunshine has not yet come, but it will. And the very [[qualities]] that you detect in them will be their [[strengths]], given new rein, new [[expression]]. They have great [[vitality]] and an ability at [[immediacy]] that many others [[envy]]. I won't say more except to [[encourage]] you and all of you to [[develop]] the [[relationships]] that you have begun, to the extent possible. All there is is the people and the [[potential]] for [[growth]] that they [[represent]]. [[Growth]] for you and for them.

You may be [[certain]] that the [[fact]] that the [[Creator Son]]'s [[Paper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on Urantia|bestowal life]] took place on [[this planet]] guarantees that there was no rougher [[example]], no more [[spiritually]] bereft or [[morally]] adrift [[planet]] than this. It has its compensations, however. From the view of an [[eternal]] [[this planet]] presents the greatest range of [[opportunity]] known within this [[local universe]]. There is more [[barbarity]], more inhumanity, more desperate [[poverty]] on [[this planet]] than on any others in [[this universe]] excepting [[Isolated worlds|those that are equally as bad]]. We call this an [[opportunity]].

You may be [[certain]] that the [[fact]] that the [[Creator Son]]'s [[Paper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on Urantia|bestowal life]] took place on [[this planet]] guarantees that there was no rougher [[example]], no more [[spiritually]] bereft or [[morally]] adrift [[planet]] than this. It has its compensations, however. From the view of an [[eternal]] [[this planet]] presents the greatest range of [[opportunity]] known within this [[local universe]]. There is more [[barbarity]], more inhumanity, more desperate [[poverty]] on [[this planet]] than on any others in [[this universe]] excepting [[Isolated worlds|those that are equally as bad]]. We call this an [[opportunity]].

It is difficult for you in your [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North American] [[society]] to [[imagine]] the circumstances of those living on the [[perimeters]] of [[your planet]], those people whose very [[existence]] is peripheral, those people who are counted by no [[census]], whose [[families]] and [[names]] will never be known outside their own [[kinship]] [[groups]], who may [[survive]] and may not. In your television sets and [[radio]] broadcasts and your [[printed]] material [[distribution]] networks you may be often confronted with depictions of the [[poverty]] and desperation of certain parts of your planet, yet I will say that there is no desperation equal to those who are the castaways of your own society.

It is difficult for you in your [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North American] [[society]] to [[imagine]] the circumstances of those living on the [[perimeters]] of [[your planet]], those people whose very [[existence]] is peripheral, those people who are counted by no [[census]], whose [[families]] and [[names]] will never be known outside their own [[kinship]] [[groups]], who may [[survive]] and may not. In your television sets and [[radio]] broadcasts and your [[printed]] material [[distribution]] networks you may be often confronted with depictions of the [[poverty]] and desperation of certain parts of your planet, yet I will say that there is no desperation equal to those who are the castaways of your own society.

The people whom you propose to serve through your [[plans]] this evening [editor's note: the group planned to [[feed]] the [[homeless]] the next night] are the rejects of your own [[society]]. They know that they are not wanted. They know that there is [[Utopia|no place]] for them. They know that the curtain has come down for them in a way that is [[different]] both in [[degree]] and in [[nature]] from the ordinary [[tragic]] desperation of [[poverty]]. The people you propose to serve know that they will not ever [[receive]] the [[degree]] of [[attention]] that your own cats and dogs receive as a matter of course. It is [[difficult]] for them under these circumstance to [[maintain]] any desire for further [[connection]] with the [[human race]]. Their [[circumstances]] compel them to live in their own [[separate]] [[society]] surrounded by [[wealth]] and opulence with full [[knowledge]] that they will never [[participate]].

The people whom you propose to serve through your [[plans]] this evening [editor's note: the group planned to [[feed]] the [[homeless]] the next night] are the rejects of your own [[society]]. They know that they are not wanted. They know that there is [[Utopia|no place]] for them. They know that the curtain has come down for them in a way that is [[different]] both in [[degree]] and in [[nature]] from the ordinary [[tragic]] desperation of [[poverty]]. The people you propose to serve know that they will not ever [[receive]] the [[degree]] of [[attention]] that your own cats and dogs receive as a matter of course. It is [[difficult]] for them under these circumstance to [[maintain]] any desire for further [[connection]] with the [[human race]]. Their [[circumstances]] compel them to live in their own [[separate]] [[society]] surrounded by [[wealth]] and opulence with full [[knowledge]] that they will never [[participate]].