Many of us might feel reluctant to speak and act contrary to expert knowledge, or to even have an opinion at all. The author is talking about his feelings of hesitance in discussing broad societal issues with a holy man who is known for his ongoing dialogue with leaders in all fields.
The Dalai Lama said, in response to Cutler's doubts about his own standing:
"These human problems, these problems in society don't appear from nowhere. They are created by human beings, and arise from the same problems all individuals have; but collectively, on a wider scale, there is an additive effect. But as a psychiatrist I think you are qualified to understand the psychological factors that contribute to the individual destructive behaviors? behaviors that can create problems in society when large groups of people act in certain ways.
And besides, [he added] you are a human being. You live in the world like anyone else. You don't need to be an expert to discuss these things. If these problems in society are to get better, it is not enough that few experts discuss these things. Every individual has to change, and the only way to do this is for ordinary people to have greater awareness of the bigger
problems, and understanding of what creates the problem, and a desire to change things person by person. So, as a member of society, you are as qualified as anyone else. And the only way to change is through education. So if we raise certain questions as we discuss things, then you can read, research, learn about these things.
Find your own examples. That is up to each of us. That is our responsibility."
(The Art of Happiness At Work, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Cutler, H. C.., 2003,
NY: Riverhead) p. 7)
