The timing of death, like the ending of a story, gives a changed meaning to what preceded it.
Mary Catherine Bateson
Fear is not a good teacher. The lessons of fear are quickly forgotten.
Mary Catherine Bateson
The family is changing, not disappearing. We have to broaden our understanding of it, look for the new metaphors.
Mary Catherine Bateson
Human beings do not eat nutrients, they eat food.
Mary Catherine Bateson
Sharing is sometimes more demanding than giving.
Mary Catherine Bateson
There are few things as toxic as a bad metaphor. You can't think without metaphors.
Mary Catherine Bateson
The capacity to combine commitment with skepticism is essential to democracy.