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Karen Christensen's avatar

This caught my eye because some years ago Dr Amir Kolini, who was born in Iran and now lives in Californi, asked if he could translate a book I published into Farsi. He had seen revolution, war, and death in the battlefields and prisons of his young adulthood. As a result, he said, he actively followed global politics in a quest for solutions to the human dilemma, mostly with an emphasis on scientific perspectives. In 2009, he was introduced to the concept of big history and decided it would be valuable to introduce this concept to Farsi-speaking people in Iran, Afghanistan, and some other countries with a translation of This Fleeting World, or Donya Dar Gozar. The ePDF Farsi edition is available at no charge (US$0.00) from our website and from various global ebook sites. https://www.berkshirepublishing.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=25137&action=edit If any teacher who knows Dr Palmer's work reads it, I'd love to hear.

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Catherine's avatar

“… O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” How Sadly this is no longer True! 🥲

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Virgin Monk Boy's avatar

What a balm in the middle of bombs. The image of Iranian teachers gathering around The Courage to Teach, building circles of reflection while missiles fly—it's almost too much beauty for this world. You remind us that truth doesn't need a passport, and that soul-to-soul learning travels faster than any act of war. May the teachers of Tehran and everywhere keep weaving their quiet revolutions.

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Sabine Wilms, PhD's avatar

Your book has shaped me as a teacher and this is by far the best news I have read today.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thanks so much, Sabine. That means a lot to me!

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Kathy Karn's avatar

Wonderful Parker. Teachers and education are the road to world peace.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thanks, Kathy, and amen to what you say.

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Barbara Schwartzbach's avatar

Wowza, this is incredible news. I am just reading this post. I believe your book 📕 has been an inspiration for many. I have by marriage, family in Iran and look forward to sharing with them. The lines of communication have been down and we all hope for a better future.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you so much, Barbara. May your family in Iran be safe and well...

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Diane Bush's avatar

Parker. This warms my heart in many ways and I am more hopeful. Is this available on other social media platforms, I would love to share and not sure technically how to do this. Thank you, your willingness to share such messages with our world.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you, Diane. Please feel free to share this story anywhere and in any way you can. I want a lot more people to know about these teachers and, by association, about the people of Iran.

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Donal O’Farrell's avatar

What a wonderfully inspiring story. Thank you Parker

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thanks so much, Donal.

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Ellen Clements's avatar

Wow! How words of encouragement and experience transcend our cultural differences. You are a gifted writer, Parker, and I am so glad that your book was discovered in a country that needs courage to go forward. Truth finds a way when people are open to learning new ways of thinking and understanding. Thank you for sharing this story of hope especially at a time when world leaders are trying to control people through aggression. Shalom!

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you, Ellen, and Shalom to you and yours!

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Ahh...Yes!  Power with Grace's avatar

Thank you for reminding me of your amazing book the Courage to Teach. Also, thank you for your generosity! I appreciate you

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you, Karen. I'm grateful for your kind words.

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Three Melissas's avatar

Parker, your wisdom translates in every language. Your value of teachers may not translate in their paychecks, but it certainly upholds their vocation's sacred trust! The power of this story, especially as the bombs attempt to destroy the Iranian people, reminds those of us who value freedom that educators will lead us through these trying times. Thank you!

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you, Diane. How I wish teachers could be paid in a way commensurate with their value to our world.

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Susan Martin's avatar

This story has brought hope in the face of so much discouragement. Not only is this a connection with the Iranian people and educators, but your direct statement to the MAGA regime is perfect. Truth can not be stopped. The river will flow around obstacles and find a way. Violence and hatred only bring more of the same. I am weeping in gratitude for your message today.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you, Susan. I'm glad this touched you. We really do need to see ourselves as others see us. But that's a mark of maturity that I don't think MAGA can achieve.

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Tenacious teachers,

across borders, battle lines.

We join, threats be damned.

...

Together for peace,

steady truth flows as water.

Spread praise, prayers, please!

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thanks, Marisol. Keep 'em coming!

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Teri Tangen's avatar

Amazing! Inspiring!

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thanks so much, Teri.

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Christine's avatar

Parker,

I love the analogy of truth flowing like water around obstacles. You and I both know the power of water from our respective experiences rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Over time, water will fill the slightest crack or crevice, creating a trickle that eventually becomes larger and more powerful. The natural world shows us that truth like water, will always prevail.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Hi, Chris, and thanks. So glad this one spoke to you! And like Miriam, I love your "truth like water will always prevail." I've always loved the Buddhist concept of the waves and the water, a notion at the heart of a song by one of my faves, Jimmy Dale Gilmore of The Flatlanders. Take a listen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIgg_QjJCxQ&list=RDtIgg_QjJCxQ&start_radio=1

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Miriam Pickens's avatar

"Truth like water, will always prevail"....I love that. Because it gives me hope. Have you explored the Buddhist concept of the wave, which is the way we often see our independant selves, and the water, as the truth of our interbeing (Thich Nhat Hanh)?

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Christine's avatar

I have not heard of the Buddhist concept of the wave. Thank you, Miriam, for mentioning this idea which is new to me.

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Katy Dalgleish's avatar

Thank you for this truly uplifting post. I needed to hear your words today. I first read The Courage to Teach at a time in my career when I needed to hear every word. Your words gave me courage to continue my work. I reread it so many times, I used to joke that there would come a day when I was going to have it memorized. I always appreciate reading your Friday posts. Thanks for reminding us that teaching and learning crosses imaginary boundaries and can't be stopped by bombs or SCOTUS opinions.

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Parker J. Palmer's avatar

Thank you so much, Katy. I'm very, very glad that you have found sustenance in my work. That means a lot to me!

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