Whitman celebrated the diversity of human experience. He recognized that everyone has something valuable to contribute. It is easy to shy away from diversity, but it is diversity that allows us to grow and embrace new ways of thinking about the world.
Whitman’s prose is often filled with empathy. His ability to understand and appreciate the struggles of others was seen throughout his poetic works. Putting ourselves in others’ shoes, and more importantly, seeking to understand their experiences and perspectives, is paramount to living a fulfilling life.
Whitman was a an advocate of self-reflection. He recognized that a deeper understanding of oneself is essential for personal growth. Self-reflection allows us to recognize our strengths, weaknesses, and biases.
Life is fleeting and we must make the most of each day. This is a common thread in Whitman’s works. The quotation below illustrates this concept beautifully:
“Happiness, not in another place, but this place… Not for another hour, but this hour.” – Walt Whitman
Whitman was an advocate of gratitude. He recognized that being grateful for what we have is essential for living a blessed life. Taking the time to appreciate the important people and things will make us treat these aspects of our lives with the love and respect that they deserve.
There is wonder in even the most mundane aspects of life. To be a better person, you must cultivate a sense of wonder, finding joy in the simple things; by doing so we can appreciate the beauty and meaning in the world around us.
Whitman believed in the power of community. He understood that we are all interconnected and that we must work together to create a better world. To be a better person, we must foster a sense of community, building connections with others, and working together to create a better world.
In conclusion, the works of Walt Whitman provide valuable insights into what it means to be a better person. By embracing diversity, cultivating empathy, practicing self-reflection, embracing the present moment, practicing gratitude, cultivating a sense of wonder, and fostering a sense of community, we can become better people and create a better world.
More Thought-Provoking Reads…