"This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race, or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now soarly feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. but since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolved in future, to redouble my exertions and at least endeavour to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestowed on me: or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself."
Meriwether Lewis August, 1805
Please bear with me, as I am currently again reading books of American history, and many quotes are likely to follow. I love to 'hear' the thoughts of those folks essential to the beginning and growing years of our great nation. This thought reminds us that there is a time in life when we must all realize there is more just 'me'. Mine was also in my thirties, when opportunites came to volunteer for some worthwhile causes. I wish I could do more, but I work with what time I have and with the limited talents I possess. I implore my few readers to find something your are passionate about and that fit the talents and knowledge you posses, and use it to help make life a little better, not for us, but for others and especially for our children's future.
3 comments:
We can learn much from those who came before us. Simply passing along their wisdom counts for something IMHO.
"Ain't no need to watch where I'm goin'; just need to know where I've been!" - Mater
The past always serves to rebuke the present. We have much to learn from them.
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