Dual citizens bring nations closer. I argue this in my book LoveBothKeepBoth: Passport to Peace, Prosperity and Strengthened Diplomacy. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson agree. The couple officially became dual citizens this week by obtaining Greek citizenship. Congratulations!
Using this occasion to share one of my favorite Tom Hank’s quotes: “If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.”
Prejudice against dual nationality is a stance against value pluralism. Yet, value pluralism is an essential need for the long-term stability of an open democratic society.
For as long as man has kept written history, leaders have recognized that dual nationality is a tool to keep the peace. Emperors and kings frequently married the offspring of rulers from other nations thereby creating a dual national in their spouse while encouraging peace and cooperation between the nations.
So I asked my son to write a letter today about any topic and addressed to anyone. Here’s what he chose to write below: “Dear God, thank you for food, water, and health. Help us humans help people. Even, the people we don’t like. Amen.” He is 7 years old and gives me hope for the future. What letter would you write today and to whom?
Today is a sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on this day two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that Siddhartha Gautama was born. While he is known to have many wise sayings and teachings, here are two of my favorites:
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
When you move your focus from competition to contribution life becomes a celebration. Never try to defeat people just win their hearts.
Sharing some words of wisdom to stay grounded and humble and open along with a beautiful picture of wild flowers.
Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wild flowers will come up where you are. — Rumi
“Sometimes the person who has not been able to speak or be heard has the most powerful message to deliver.” Quote by Ken Reiman
Thanks to everyone who purchased my book and allowed me to share my experience with others. I hope it will inspire others to share their hopes and dreams too!
読者の皆様へ、楽しんで下さい。10月15日発売中！！
Each man has his own vocation. The talent is the call. There is one direction in which all space is open to him. He has faculties silently inviting him thither to endless exertion. He is like a ship in a river; he runs against obstructions on every side but one, on that side all obstruction is taken away and he sweeps serenely over a deepening channel into an infinite sea…He has no rival. For the more truly he consults his own powers, the more difference will his work exhibit from the work of any other.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
