Two Native Americans meet on the road in the morning and begin their conversation by asking if they have eaten.
These are questions we often ask out of politeness, but they are different.
If one person answers that they have not eaten, the person who asked the question immediately becomes responsible for providing food for the other person.
For them, food is made to be shared, and asking if someone has eaten is not a matter of courtesy, but a question about social relationships.
There is no greater insult to them than refusing an offer of food.
Jazz musician Carla Bley's "Eating Alone" is a truly sad song, reminding us that sharing food and eating together is the source of meaning in life.
--- From "First Meaning: Relationship"

I sometimes wonder if my paralyzed friend dreams of running, walking, and playing soccer with his son.
In the dream world, everyone is equal.
No one can take away our dreams.
The possibility of dreams makes life bearable.
Even though we know that many dreams are unattainable and impossible.
The fantasy of revolutionaries who sing of a world where labor is sacred and solidarity triumphs over egoism tells the same story.
The dreams of revolutionaries of a just, peaceful, and conflict-free society are very similar to the dreams of disabled people who can walk.
All of this is because it promises that it is possible to reach the impossible, to start over, and to tie a new thread.
--- From "The Third Meaning: Dream"

Oxford philosopher Roman Krznaric writes about slowness and acorns in his book, Good Ancestors, about the founding of New College, Oxford, in the 14th century.
When the university was built, the person in charge was concerned that the oak beams in the ceiling would rot and could lead to fatal accidents.
Afterwards, he had some acorns planted a little distance from the university building.
It was calculated that by the time the beams needed to be replaced, a large, sturdy oak tree would have grown.
About 500 years later, when the beams began to creak and crack, the head gardener discovered a majestic grove of oak trees by the river.
The beam was replaced.
To connect with the distant future, it's a good idea to put aside your worries about parking tickets and looming deadlines.

--- From "The Fourth Meaning: Slow Time"