Do Better, and Grow Better, and Be Better
I continue to be impressed with the depth of the themes in George MacDonald’s writing. After becoming so enthralled with The Princess and the Goblin I just had to start The Princess and Curdie. Another grandmother conversation serves as inspiration for today’s post. Grandmother told Curdie, “Remember, then, that whoever does not mean good is always in danger of harm” (p. 23). Curdie was encouraged to remain steadfast in his good intentions and to navigate the complexities of his adventures with a focus on what is right and just.
I really had to ponder the meaning of the interaction above. The statement emphasized the idea that intentions matter deeply was a very important concept being used as a through line throughout the entire story. The grandmother’s wisdom reinforces the notion that while one might face dangers in the pursuit of good, the real threat comes from those who choose evil, ultimately leading to their own downfall.
After this lengthy conversation, Curdie got the point the grandmother was trying to make. He said, voice was gentler even than before. “I was doing the wrong of never wanting or trying to be better” (p. 24). Later, the great grandmother replied, “When people don’t care to be better they must be doing everything wrong” (p. 25). Wow, read that again: “When people don’t care to be better they must be doing everything wrong.” We all need to care about getting better.
The grandmother left Curdie with one other great point during this interaction. She said, “Do better, and grow better, and be better” (p. 25). Macdonald created a drop the mic moment with this. We need to do, grow, and be better.
Being Open To Learning and Evolving
Yesterday I started reading George MacDonald’s sequel to The Princess and the Goblin, The Princess and Curdie. As I stated in an earlier post I have really been inspired to dig in on a study of MacDonald. His writing is so genius and he wrote in that way that creates the characters in such a way that we can relate to them. It’s one of the reasons that I have fallen in love with fiction and fairy tales. I continue to say that in fiction we can get to know everything about the characters and take an introspective look at ourselves through the characters in a way not afforded by nonfiction. I’m so glad I have learned that so deeply from my scholarly study of C. S. Lewis.
One the first such introspective looks came early in The Princess and Curdie with an interaction of Curdie and the grandmother when it was said, “There is this difference between the growth of some human beings and that of others: in the one case it is a continuous dying, in the other a continuous resurrection” (p. 13). This interaction highlighted a profound difference in the human experience regarding personal growth and transformation. When he referred to “continuous dying,” he suggested that some individuals may become stagnant, stuck in negative patterns, or lose our sense of purpose and joy over time. In contrast, “continuous resurrection” signified a dynamic process of renewal, where individuals embrace change, learn from our experiences, and strive for personal improvement.
“There is this difference between the growth of some human beings and that of others: in the one case it is a continuous dying, in the other a continuous resurrection. One of the latter sort comes at length to know at once whether a thing is true the moment it comes before him; one of the former class grows more and more afraid of being taken in, so afraid of it that he takes himself in altogether, and comes at length to believe in nothing but his dinner: to be sure of a thing with him is to have it between his teeth.” ~ The Princess and Curdie
MacDonald encouraged readers to seek a life characterized by resilience, growth, and empathy, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from being open to learning and evolving. This perspective invites us to reflect on our own journeys and choose paths that lead to a richer, more compassionate existence rather than allowing ourselves to wither away. Ultimately, it teaches us the importance of nurturing our inner selves and uplifting each other through shared understanding and kindness.
Understanding Those Around Us
Yesterday I wrote Seeing Is Not Believing after being inspired by George MacDonald’s The Princess and the Goblin. Now I’m continuing the thought process using more of the conversation between Princess Irene and her grandmother. The conversation continued, “We are all very anxious to be understood, and it is very hard not to be. But there is one thing much more necessary.’ ‘What is that, grandmother?’ ‘To understand other people.’ ‘Yes, grandmother. I must be fair – for if I’m not fair to other people, I’m not worth being understood myself” (p. 73). The dialogue between Princess Irene and her grandmother highlights a key lesson: while it is natural to desire understanding from others, it is even more crucial to strive to understand those around us.
MacDonald’s fairy tales had a huge impact on C. S. Lewis from an early age. That impact was both of a personal growth nature and an impact on Lewis’s writing development. I’m so fortunate through my studies of Lewis to have also been exposed to MacDonald. The exchange between Princess Irene and her grandmother reminded me that true worth comes not from seeking validation but from being fair and considerate towards others. If we will prioritize understanding, we will foster deeper connections and compassion, creating a more harmonious society.
The passage in the book I referenced here caused me to reflect on my own interactions and to continually cultivate a mindset that values empathy as a fundamental aspect of my relationships with others. In essence, the story continues to teach us today that understanding others enriches our own lives as well as those we seek to understand and contributes to mutual respect and kindness.
As I conclude this post I can’t help but pause and reflect that it’s been 153 years since MacDonald published The Princess and the Goblin. I am amazed by the perennial influence both MacDonald and Lewis have on the lives of others and me personally. They are both continuing to have an influence on me some 120 and 62 years respectively since their deaths. Amazing! And I believe that is a pretty amazing legacy to try and emulate.
Seeing Is Not Believing
Ever heard the phrase “Can’t read a book by its cover?” Ever really thought about what that means? In The Princess and the Goblin, by George MacDonald, the grandmother teaches Princess Irene an important lesson about seeing beyond the surface. We must be aware that merely observing something doesn’t equate to fully comprehending or trusting in its significance.
‘What does it all mean, grandmother?’ she [Princess Irene] sobbed, and burst into fresh tears.
‘It means, my love, that I did not mean to show myself. Curdie is not yet able to believe some things. Seeing is not believing – it is only seeing. You remember I told you that if Lootie were to see me, she would rub her eyes, forget the half she saw, and call the other half nonsense.’ ~ The Princess and the Goblin
In The Princess and the Goblin, MacDonald uses the phrase “Seeing is not believing – it is only seeing” to convey a deeper understanding of perception and belief. The grandmother’s wisdom encourages us to look beyond the surface and recognize that true understanding often requires faith and intuition, rather than just visual evidence. Through the grandmother I believe MacDonald was implying that belief and understanding come from a place of inner conviction, rather than just physical observation.
We need to remember to explore beyond what we can see. MacDonald’s fairy tale helps us consider that there are truths and realities that may not be immediately visible or tangible but can be understood through deeper engagement, reflection, and trust.
The Necessity Of Being Understood
You guessed it. Another post inspired by George MacDonald’s The Princess and the Goblin. Yesterday, I wrote Following The Thread Forward. Today, I am writing after reading the lines, “But in the meantime you must be content, I say, to be misunderstood for a while. We are all very anxious to be understood, and it is very hard not to be. But there is one thing much more necessary.’ ‘What is that, grandmother?’ ‘To understand other people.’ ‘Yes, grandmother. I must be fair – for if I’m not fair to other people, I’m not worth being understood myself” (p. 73). Princess Irene and her grandmother recognize that while it’s natural to desire understanding from others, it is even more vital to strive to understand those around us.
MacDonald was highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in human relationships. We are reminded to practice compassion and actively listen to others, fostering deeper connections and harmony in their interactions. True communication goes beyond mere words; it involves genuinely seeing and appreciating the perspectives and feelings of others.
Planting Ourselves In A Tall Forest
I have been described as being eclectic and I would have to say that I am guilty as charged. I do have very diverse interests and influences that span various fields, ideas, and cultural perspectives. This eclectic approach allows me to draw from multiple sources, styles, or traditions rather than adhering to a single framework or ideology. I describe this as having a blend of ideas. This eclecticism grants the incorporation of different philosophies, methodologies, and subject matters to create a more comprehensive learning experience for both myself and my clients.
Iconic poet T. S. Eliot created rich tapestries of meaning and emotion, making his work resonate on multiple levels. Thomas R. Rees described Eliot as a “master of eclectic synthesis.” This highlights Eliot’s unique ability to draw from a wide variety of influences and styles, melding them into a cohesive and innovative body of work. Eliot’s poetry often incorporates diverse cultural, literary, and philosophical elements, reflecting his deep engagement with different traditions and his skill in reinterpreting them.
Eliot believed that to find our own “originality” we need to surround ourselves with strong, supportive individuals who can help us grow and thrive. If we use the metaphor of the distillation process, we are taking everything we are exposed to, think of that as the corn, rye, barley, and yeast, and creating the original us, or metaphorical bourbon. In The Sacred Wood Eliot said, “One of the surest of tests [of greatness] is the way in which a poet borrows. Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal; bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something better, or at least something different.” We all need to have deep engagement in incorporating the diverse cultural, literary, and philosophical elements we are exposed to and reinterpreting them.
Karen Burke Lefevre put it this way in Invention As a Social Act:
“There will always be great need for individual initiative, but no matter how inventive an individual wants to be, he will be influenced for better or for worse by the intellectual company he keeps. On top of Mt. Mansfield in Vermont, there are thirty-year-old trees that are only three feet tall. If a tree begins to grow taller, extending beyond the protection of the others, it dies. The moral for inventors [and artists]: Plant yourself in a tall forest if you hope to have ideas of stature.”
Acceptance Versus Condemnation
Effective leaders must recognize and accept the current state of their organization, including challenges and shortcomings. This acceptance is crucial for making informed decisions and implementing necessary changes. When teaching this in my leadership development programs I always quote Carl Jung who said, “We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” Jung was such a deep thinker and this quote always makes participants think and it stirs great conversation. Jung’s message was that acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; rather, it means recognizing reality without judgment. By accepting what is, we free ourselves from the burden of resistance and can begin to work toward meaningful change.
“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” Carl Jung
True change cannot occur until we fully acknowledge and accept our current situation. When we resist or condemn our data, reality, or experiences—whether they are emotions, thoughts, or real circumstances—we often create a cycle of oppression and denial, making it harder to move forward. Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; rather, it means recognizing reality without judgment.
You Do Yourself
Yesterday I wrote about not holding ourselves to others’ timelines in Use Your Own Timeline. In the same conversation that inspired that post the phrase “you do yourself” was also used. This suggested that we should embrace who we truly are and make choices that align with our own personal core values and aspirations. That thought complements the idea of following our own unique timeline by encouraging us to prioritize our individuality over societal pressures or comparisons with others.
When we “do yourself,” we focus on what genuinely resonates with us, which can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. It’s about recognizing that our journey is ours alone and that it’s okay to carve out our own way, even if it looks different from others.
Use Your Own Timeline
Yesterday I heard the phrase “Don’t hold yourself to someone else’s timeline.” In the context it was used, the person was stressing to another that she shouldn’t compare her progress or achievements to those of others. This was a great reminder to focus on our own journey, goals, and pace rather than feeling pressured to meet external expectations or follow someone else’s schedule. Everyone has their own unique path in life, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Making Our Own Luck
The past couple of days I have the phrase related to “making one’s own luck.” I’ve thought about this a lot and wonder if we can make our own luck. While we can’t control every circumstance, we can certainly influence our own luck through our actions and mindset. As the old saying goes, luck often comes to those who are ready for opportunities. By honing our skills and learning new things, we increase the chances of seizing opportunities when they arise.
It also comes down to building relationships because those relationships can open doors that might not be available otherwise. Also, what seems like bad luck can be a valuable learning experience. Embracing failure as a part of the journey can lead to greater success in the future.
I guess we can say luck can sometimes play a role, our efforts and attitudes can significantly shape the outcomes we experience. In other words, if we want to make our own luck we must take the initiative. We can’t wait for opportunities to come to us. We must be proactive in seeking out new experiences or challenges.
Byron's Babbles 
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