PP Episode 32 David Lorimer, Author, Scholar, Program Director of the Scientific and Medical Network

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Barbara Gon Mueller interviews David Lorimer, a writer, philosopher, and program director at the Scientific and Medical Network. They explore the principles of love, wisdom, truth, justice, and compassion, discussing how these virtues can transform society. David shares insights from his own book, 'Quest for Wisdom,' touching on topics such as consciousness, death, and ethics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of practicing virtues like love, kindness, and patience to foster peace. The dialogue encourages listeners to embody these qualities, leading to a harmonious world where humanity's potential is realized.

Takeaways

• 😀 David Lorimer is a prolific writer and thinker, authoring numerous books and articles, with a focus on love, truth, wisdom, and ethics.
• 😀 His new book, 'The Quest for Wisdom,' explores consciousness, spirituality, death, ethics, and society over a span of 40 years of essays.
• 😀 Lorimer emphasizes the importance of living by principles such as love, wisdom, truth, justice, and virtue to create a culture of peace and wisdom.
• 😀 Compassion and kindness are essential to developing peaceful relationships, and these qualities can be cultivated through practice.
• 😀 Presence and attention are key to fostering deeper connections with others, and paying full attention to someone can be a form of love.
• 😀 Lorimer highlights the need for patience, using the example of walking his dog to show how even daily activities can teach patience.
• 😀 Peace and harmony are not only individual goals but also require the transformation of societal institutions, such as the United Nations.
• 😀 The pursuit of harmony, rather than power, is essential for achieving global peace, and individuals must act with love for the whole rather than personal interests.
• 😀 The importance of a deep connection to the earth and the idea of 'loving' the planet is central to fostering a world of peace and sustainability.
• 😀 David Lorimer and others believe in transcending nationalism and focusing on global unity, aiming for a culture built on love, wisdom, and truth.
• 😀 Final advice is to stay centered and connected to love, wisdom, peace, and joy, as this inner harmony enables us to engage harmoniously with others and the world.

Q & A

Who is David Lorimer, and what are his key contributions?

David Lorimer is a writer, lecturer, poet, editor, and the founder of the character education movement in Scotland. He has authored numerous books and articles, including 'Profits for Our Times' and 'Quest for Wisdom.' He is also the program director of the Scientific and Medical Network.

What is the focus of David Lorimer's book 'Quest for Wisdom'?

The book 'Quest for Wisdom' explores consciousness and spirituality, death and consciousness, and ethics in society. It presents a collection of essays written over 40 years, offering diverse perspectives on these topics.

How does David Lorimer define the role of love, truth, wisdom, and justice in creating a better world?

David Lorimer emphasizes that principles, rather than beliefs, are the key to creating a better world. He believes that everyone can embody principles like love, wisdom, truth, justice, and goodness, which are essential for transforming darkness into light and fostering peace in society.

How can individuals practice compassion and kindness in their daily lives?

David Lorimer suggests that compassion and kindness are practices that need to be enacted, not just thought about. By acting with love and kindness in everyday interactions, such as being considerate and paying attention to others, individuals can develop these qualities.

What philosophy does David Lorimer refer to when discussing the importance of attention and presence?

David Lorimer references the philosophy of Simone Weil, a French philosopher, who believed that pure attention is an expression of love. Paying full attention to someone is an act of love, and it involves being present and patient, which can be learned through daily life experiences.

Why does David Lorimer mention the importance of breath in the practice of love, light, peace, and joy?

David Lorimer meditates on breathing in qualities like love, light, peace, and joy, which are inherent to humanity. He believes that these qualities can be accessed and shared by consciously breathing them in and out, which helps to cultivate these virtues within oneself.

What steps can be taken to ensure peace, according to Albert Schweitzer’s Nobel Peace Prize speech, as referenced by David Lorimer?

Albert Schweitzer in his Nobel Peace Prize speech stated that peace will only be achievable if the people of the world foster within themselves the ideal of peace. This highlights the importance of cultivating inner peace and good will, which will then reflect in global institutions designed to preserve peace.

What does David Lorimer believe is necessary for true global peace?

David Lorimer believes that global peace requires a shift from the pursuit of power to the pursuit of harmony. This involves aligning human actions with love, wisdom, and truth, and transforming institutions such as the United Nations to be more inclusive and visionary.

How does David Lorimer connect the concepts of love and power in creating a harmonious world?

David Lorimer emphasizes the need to move away from a system based on the love of power to one that is based on the power of love. This shift in values will help build a world based on mutual respect, harmony, and the well-being of all, rather than self-interest.

What is the significance of the 'Paneurhythmy' sacred dance mentioned by David Lorimer?

The 'Paneurhythmy' is a sacred dance created by Peter Dunoff, which symbolizes the new humanity. It involves movements that represent awakening, reconciliation, and giving. Through these movements, participants express qualities like love, peace, and joy, helping to embody these virtues in their lives.