Latest / Living in the Meantime with Stephen Bauman
The Wisdom of an Empty Cup
Years ago, Stephen heard theologian Henri Nouwen recount a simple Zen parable: a politician visits a master for wisdom, only to have his teacup filled until it overflows. “How can I teach you,” the master asks, “unless you first empty your cup?”
At the time, Stephen admits, he was far more like the cocky politician than the humble student. But over the years, the lesson settled in: you cannot take in what is new, true, or wise if you are already full of yourself.
In today’s political and cultural climate, that ancient insight feels almost foreign. Is there still space for humility among our…
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