You’ve got to straighten out your own behavior. You have to walk your talk, so that your talk is compelling. It’s good to have these examples in the world. Otherwise the world would be a totally depressing place.

"We can’t wait until the world gets straightened out before we straighten out our own minds, because the cause is in the mind. The world out there is the realm of effects. The realm of causes is in here: That’s one of the basic lessons of dependent co-arising. All the causes of suffering come prior to your engagement with the world. If you want other people to change their behavior, you’ve got to straighten out your behavior. You have to walk your talk, so that your talk is compelling. You can’t force other people to follow your example, but at least you establish that example here in the world. It’s good to have these examples in the world. Otherwise the world would be a totally depressing place."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "True Protection for the World"

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