fuller quotes and stories
From KI News; the newsletter of the Kehillat Israel Reconstructionists Congregation, Vol 55, issue 4



During my first year of college at UC Davis, I was given the unbelievable opportunity of being sent to a three-day conference at UCLA in "Art, Culture and Changing the World."  It was a whirlwind of world-class teachers and presenters, and I remember the amazing experience of spending part of the day with the brilliant philosopher/inventor, Buckminister Fuller. What struck me about "Bucky's" presentation to all of these college students, was not only his endless passion and enthusiasm for life at a very advanced age (this was shortly before he died), but the message that he taught by both his words and his life.

He stared out at his young audience of impressionable college kids, and he challenged us with these words:  "Never forget that you are one of a kind.  Never forget that if there weren't any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn't be here in the first place. And never forget no matter how overwhelming life's  challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about.  So be that one person."

I never forgot that experience, and I never forgot Buckminster Fuller's passionate message.  In many ways that's why I became a rabbi - to make a difference in the world, one person at a time.  And I know in my heart and soul that most of you feel the same way.  Whatever you may do in life. Whatever direction your work, or profession, or life may lead you, ultimately I know that what drives you inside is the conviction that you, too can make a difference in life.

One of my favorite stories is about the four year old who had been learning the pledge of allegiance in his nursery school.  One afternoon he went to the post office with his mother and noticed the American flag flying out in front.  He pointed up to the flag and with excitement in his voice announced, "Look, there's the United States of a miracle."

In spite of all the continued poverty, inequality, political dissension and social challenges that continually face our society here in America, I think that little boy had it right - this is "the United States of a miracle" and we are blessed with the privilege of living here with thefreedoms and challenges that we share.

Everyday is an opportunity to use the miracle of that precious opportunity to make our world into the image that our ancestors recognized was their spiritual and religious responsibility - Letaken olam be'malkhut shaddai" - "to create the world in the image of godliness."


» Click here to learn more about Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben