This is not to say that we should just be contented with what we see around us. This is also not an argument against working for changes in our society. Neither were we wrong when we marched against corruption and abuse of power by our leaders.
Rather, this emphasizes the need (for us) to also change ourselves in order to become credible agents of change. We cannot talk against corruption if we too, pay bribes. We cannot talk about human rights if we too, abuse our own workers and household helps.
I am quoting one of the most popular inscriptions written to inspire us how we could make a difference in this world. According to the book, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” this was written in the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey in 1100 AD. I verified if there really is/was an inscription written in the tomb of Westminster Abbey from its website. There is no such inscription. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the proposition that we should focus on ourselves first, to make ripples in the world.
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
And now as I lie on my death bed, I suddenly realize that had I only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.”-Anonymous
What about you, do you agree that changing yourself first is a necessary requirement before you can change your community and your country?
339 comments
We can not say with sincerity that a thing is beautiful if we don’t have eyes, nor say a sound is loud if we are deaf…… so to cry for a change in the society why not focus first on our self. We will never be an effective coach if we never attained anything. WE can never lead if we can’t lead our self. Thanks for the share.
I agree with it Nic….. its a basic thing to do in life….before you do something or anything….examine yourself and think!!!! what will happen if i do this? is this the THING i want? if youve done this everytime you do something…youve practiced the ART OF ANTICIPATION….so, lets do it and change the world!!
Change must come from inside out. We can’t expect others to change if we cannot ourselves be that change.
Thanks Nic. I’ll share this.
Ah yes. Change yourself and you will ultimately change a bit of the universe. That’s what I call the “domino effect”. A ripple in a pond, if undisturbed, becomes as big as the pond itself.