Leadership-Interview-Transkript - Sozialpsychologie - Goethe ...

to the first century, you are the generation of humanity who can make a new world. A
peaceful, non-violent world, with a sense and concern of other’s well-being, so a more
compassionate world, more realistic world, that’s up to you. Leaders cannot bring that. From
the grass-root level, there is a better awareness to education. That way, eventually, leadership
comes from that kind of society. Better awareness, more long-sighted, more holistic. Then, I
think, things will change. That is my view.
Rolf van Dick: Thank you very much. I’m sure many people in today’s audience, including
many students, have looked up to leaders like you, or democratic leaders like Obama or
Kennedy or religious leaders like you. And we are inspired by – as Ms. Valenti said – your
role modeling. You are providing an example of how the human values can be dealt with.
Who did inspire you? Who was the role model for your own way in your life?
Dalai Lama: Not one single person. That is, I think, difficult and also dangerous. Look at my
brothers and sisters, I think in one single person there’s one aspect that is wonderful. So, you
can sort of think of yourself as a model. This field or this person is marvelous, so you can
learn, you follow that. A certain sort of field or person is really wonderful, so there is some
copying from that. I think that’s the way. And then, of course, obviously, Mahatma Gandhi,
although I never met him. But I really admire him. And then, among the living, Nelson
Mandela – also very nice. And then, Bishop Tutu. When we’re together, we’re always teasing
each other. He often describes me as the mischievousDalai Lama. So I also respond him “Oh,
this also, see, mischievous archbishop!” Actually, you see, wonderful – his sort of work,
reconciliation, I think really had a lot of impact on many people in their country. And then, in
Europe, Heinrich Harrer, I admire him. And then, I think you may not agree – the former
American president Bush. I love him. As a human being – wonderful person! But his politics
– some disaster!
Rolf van Dick: Thank you very much, this is interesting to hear.