To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.
Interpretation
Success is determined by how inclusively we treat individuals with varying abilities within our societies.
This quote emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in measuring the success of a society. It suggests that a true measure of progress is not just economic or political, but also how well individuals with different abilities, particularly those with autism, are welcomed and valued as integral parts of the community.
In practice
In a presentation about social justice, I quoted Ban Ki-Moon to highlight the importance of inclusivity.
Nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious threats of our time. Even one such attack could inflict mass casualties and create immense suffering and unwanted change in the world forever. This prospect should compel all of us to act to prevent such a catastrophe.
We have international standards regulating everything from t-shirts to toys to tomatoes. There are international regulations for furniture. That means there are common standards for the global trade in armchairs but not the global trade in arms.
Weapons of mass destruction violate more than individual lives - they cross international borders and jeopardize all people. They also drain resources that could be used instead for medicines, schools and other life-saving supplies. We must come together with even greater determination to prevent a WMD nightmare.
Throughout human history, in any great endeavour requiring the common effort of many nations and men and women everywhere, we have learned - it is only through seriousness of purpose and persistence that we ultimately carry the day. We might liken it to riding a bicycle. You stay upright and move forward so long as you keep up the momentum.
By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society.
Freedom is a timeless value. The United Nations Charter calls for encouraging respect for fundamental freedoms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions freedom more than twenty times. All countries have committed to protecting individual freedoms on paper - but in practice, too many break their pledge.
When you like something and you're pretty good at it and you can make a living doing it, you don't ask why. You just count your blessings and go with it.
Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to doDon't wish it were easier, wish you were better.
The ability to work hard for days on end without losing focus is a talent. The ability to keep absorbing new information after many hours of study is a talent.
We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.
When you're average, you're just as close to the bottom as you are the top.
I have often marveled at the thin line which separates success from failure.
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