I'm considering taking a creative writing course. I think I'm at the point where I may actually enjoy something like that as a learning opportunity. That would be my only motivation however, as I harbour no delusions that I would ever excel at it. Perhaps I could approach "competence" but any time I start thinking I'm actually good at it, I seem to stumble across something that puts me back in my place. Check this out!! Written in 1899.
The supreme prayer of my heart is not to be learned or “good,”
but to be Radiant.
I desire to radiate health, cheerfulness, sincerity,
calm courage and good-will.
I wish to be simple, honest, natural, frank,
clean in mind and clean in body,
unaffected – ready to say, “I do not know,” if so it be,
to meet all men on an absolute equality –
face any obstacle and meet every difficulty
unafraid and unabashed.
I wish others to live their lives, too,
up to their highest, fullest and best.
To that end I pray that I may never meddle, dictate, interfere,
give advice that is not wanted,
nor assist when my services are not needed.
If I can help people I’ll do it
by giving them a chance to help themselves;
and if I can uplift or inspire, let it be by example,
inference and suggestion,
rather than by injunction and dictation.
That is to say, I desire to be Radiant – to Radiate Life."---Elbert Hubbard
LIFE IN ABUNDANCE
The supreme prayer of my heart is not to be learned or “good,”
but to be Radiant.
I desire to radiate health, cheerfulness, sincerity,
calm courage and good-will.
I wish to be simple, honest, natural, frank,
clean in mind and clean in body,
unaffected – ready to say, “I do not know,” if so it be,
to meet all men on an absolute equality –
face any obstacle and meet every difficulty
unafraid and unabashed.
I wish others to live their lives, too,
up to their highest, fullest and best.
To that end I pray that I may never meddle, dictate, interfere,
give advice that is not wanted,
nor assist when my services are not needed.
If I can help people I’ll do it
by giving them a chance to help themselves;
and if I can uplift or inspire, let it be by example,
inference and suggestion,
rather than by injunction and dictation.
That is to say, I desire to be Radiant – to Radiate Life."---Elbert Hubbard
The passage does not contain any fancy words, or consider any extraordinary ideas, and yet it leaves me feeling thoughtful and inspired. Both the thought, and the presentation of the words, are an example of the kind of ability I aspire to.
And on Thanksgiving day a special note to Miguette. She brought us together with her "other" family for a wonderful evening of food and talk. I really, really enjoyed myself.
It was also a great running day. The sun was shining, it was 10 degrees, and there was little breeze. I was inspired to go a little further than planned. I started out slow but went faster, and faster throughout. I felt like I could run forever. It was one of those special runs that sneak up on you. Just for the hell of it ran the 16th kilometre in 3:53.
Run 16 kms...1:22:48
Love
Peter
Wow. Best. Quote. Ever. That is all.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant quote. Would that we could all.... And no mere mortal runs the 16th that fast!
ReplyDelete