Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, known simply as Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet and spiritual teacher. Through the use of metaphorical and allegorical language, Rumi’s writing reflected his interest in the divine and the interconnectedness among all living things. His poetry continues to be a relevant source of inspiration today, addressing life’s complexities and the quest for meaning and mindfulness. This quote draws a parallel between the nourishing impact of rainfall and the nurturing power of words, gently reminding us that both play a pivotal role in fostering growth. On the other hand, anger can obstruct that growth, so we must be careful with our words and how we deliver them. Just as a plant flourishes with the appropriate amount of rainfall, so too does a person thrive with encouragement and support. 

Elbert Hubbard was an American philosopher and publisher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ideas in his writings varied, leaning by turns more conservative or more radical, but he always retained a strong sense of morality and a fascination with how humans treat one another. Here, he reminds us that the energy we give to others and the ways in which we treat them similarly affect the energy and treatment we receive from them, so it’s always wise to think twice before acting rashly or judging prematurely.

H. Jackson Brown Jr. is best known for his self-help books, which contain advice on everything from workplace etiquette to sustaining friendships. This wise tidbit appears in his 1991 bestseller, “Life’s Little Instruction Book,” a project that Brown began as a gift for his son, who was about to start his freshman year of college. His advice still stands, no matter which stage of life we’re in: Expansive dreams help us shape our futures, but it’s just as important to value the small joys we stumble across in the present.

In 2017, at the age of 37, Jacinda Ardern became one of the youngest prime ministers in the history of New Zealand. A year later she made international history by bringing her 3-month-old daughter to the United Nations General Assembly so she could continue to breastfeed through the trip. An outspoken feminist, Ardern is known for her charisma and optimism. One of her first actions in office was to make the reduction of child poverty a top priority. Though her term in office was defined by the global pandemic and economic downturn, she continues to stand as a beacon of hope and empathy, fighting for human rights both at home and abroad.