The Art of Making Possible

We also know that to be educated, the goal of it must be human liberation, a liberation enabling each of us to fulfil our capacity so as to be free to create within and around ourselves. To be educated to freedom must be evidenced in action, and here again is where we ask ourselves, as we have asked our parents and our teachers, questions about integrity, trust and respect.

Integrity. The courage to be whole, to try to mould an entire person in this particular context, living in relation to one another in the full poetry of existence.

Trust. What can you say about a feeling that permeates a generation and that perhaps is not even understood by those who are distrusted? All they can do is keep trying again and again and again.

Respect. There is that mutuality of respect between people where you don’t see people as percentage points, where you don’t manipulate people, where you are not interested in social engineering for people. 

We have no need of false revolutions in a world where categories tend to tyrannize our minds. And hang our wills up on narrow pegs. It is well at every given moment to seek the limits in our lives. And once those limits are understood, understand that limitations no longer exist. Earth could be fair. And you and I must be free. Not to save the world in a glorious crusade. Not to kill ourselves with a nameless gnawing pain. But to practise with all the skill of our being. The art of making possible!

—— Excerpts from Hillary Rodham Clinton’s commencement speech at Wellesley College in May 31, 1969