Text1: "Knowledge is gained by discernment, by examining, by
instruction, but not by bathing, nor gifts, nor a hundred holdings of the breath."

I like this quote, as I believe that it promotes action. It says that you cannot receive knowledge, you must earn it. There are many parts of life that you cannot simply get by performing the bare minimum, or expecting to receive simply because you completed a perceived prerequisite. It's almost like expecting to learn just because you go to class. While going to class is good, just like the religious actions described in the quote, it is not enough.

Text2: "The moon's form must be seen by one's own eyes; it can never be known through the eyes of another."

Here, another quote that promotes action, but in a different way. Before it was a quest for knowledge, now it is one for experience. It seems that people are content to hear stories of the amazing experiences and phenomena that exists in this world and not see them for themselves. It is difficult to learn a new language, or travel to distant places and so its easier to sit back and admire those who have. In reality sometimes all it takes is a little more effort or courage to get up and experience the world.

Text1: The research showed that, for every person we provide services, we were saving the Medicaid budget $18,000 per year

Response1: This piece of information struck me as vital to the survival Mia. It is one thing to operate in an altruistic fashion, helping low income seniors wherever possible. It is completely different to do this in such a way that actually saves money. Often organizations such as Mia must be on a very small scale, because the government simply cannot or will not fund outrageously expensive programs, whether they help people or not. However, I find it remarkable that Mia has found a solution that is not only socially responsible, but also financially responsible.

Text2: "I was so inspired when I walked into the room on the day of the award ceremony to find over 200 people, most of them much older than I was, tackling and succeeding in some of the most difficult problems confronting our community."

Response 2: I feel that change occurs when people can come together to solve problems. As much emphasis is put on an individual 'making difference' in our society, true change happens when individuals work together on a common problem and make it a goal to correct. The fact that so many people have made it their personal goal to confront the issues in our community is reassuring. It lets you know that no matter your age, you can always help make the world a better place.