"We must cultivate our garden," is a phrase famously spoken by the character Candide in Voltaire's novel of the same name. The phrase has come to be interpreted as a metaphor for the idea that we must take responsibility for and actively work towards improving our own lives and the world around us.
In the novel, Candide is an optimistic and naive young man who has been taught to believe that everything happens for the best in this "best of all possible worlds." However, as he travels and experiences the suffering and injustice of the world, he comes to realize that this is not the case. Despite this, he does not lose hope and instead decides to focus on the things he can control, specifically the small plot of land he has been given to cultivate.
This idea of cultivating our own gardens can be applied to our own lives in a number of ways. First and foremost, it means taking responsibility for our own actions and well-being. This means not only taking care of our physical and mental health, but also working towards our own personal and professional goals. It means not being a passive bystander, but actively working towards creating the life we want for ourselves.
In addition to taking care of ourselves, cultivating our garden also means being actively involved in improving the world around us. This can be as simple as volunteering at a local community center or participating in a beach clean-up, or it can be something more ambitious like starting a non-profit or campaigning for social justice issues. Whatever form it takes, it means recognizing that we have a role to play in making the world a better place and taking action to do so.
Ultimately, cultivating our garden is about balance. It means taking care of ourselves and our own needs, but also being aware of and taking action to address the needs of others and the world around us. It is a mindset that recognizes that we are all connected and that our actions have an impact on others and the world as a whole.
In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we cultivate our gardens. Whether we are facing personal struggles or global crises, we must remember that we have the power to make a positive difference in our own lives and the world around us. By actively working towards improving ourselves and the world, we can create a better future for all.