And just when you think that the written word cannot get more inspirational.
I would gladly sacrifice an arm or a leg, or my life, to have a world leader sharing such thoughts with the country and the world.
This is what most of us wish to see, to live in, and to leave for ALL that come after our departing.
This is the spirit of Tikkun Olam, that it is our obligation, each and every one of us, to restore the world, to show our humanity in our one-ness, in our human unity.
I have traveled the world, sailed thousands of miles upon open seas, climbed to high mountain peaks and seen the world beneath the oceans. I have seen the ravages of cancer and held the hands of those dying and felt their light go out. Still, I have also felt the joy of seeing lives restored, and lived with fullness. How can we not want to share the wonders of life, the beauty of the Creation and teach such a Gospel as in today's commentary? Ask yourselves, what is the meaning of your life, of the lives of others, of the life of the Earth?
I love the great poets, but found many relatively unknown, that have shared these same thoughts about meaning for centuries. For many years, in love with the poetry of Emerson, I pasted copies of his poem Success to walls and computer monitors. I vowed to practice what he preached in that poem. Later I learned that it was Bessie Stanley, a poet I was unfamiliar with, that was the author of the poem attributed to Emerson. Here is one version of Bessie's poem "Success".
Success
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest citizens
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived
—this is to have succeeded.
Bessie Stanley 1905
Bessie would be grinning, ecstatic from reading Mike's commentary. Now, if we could just put someone with the mind and heart of Brock in the role of leadership, this country and this world would turn the parking lot back into a paradise.
This is terrific. Really stellar. It's the connection I feel with, for example Chopin, or Bach, when I hear their music. And the amazement of wondering how then and now at this moment at least 2 people are communicating through sound, or rather each registering meaning in music that is the intentional arrangement of sound, a property of the physics of the universe.
Or, more prosaically, my cat invariably wagging his tail when he heard me singing "his" song ( that I did in fact compose for him, both tune and lyrics, which were simply his name repeated and repeated!). He didn't react to my singing anything else,except probably to wish I would shut up, though he was too polite to say so. Nor did he often react to my speaking his name, which will surprise no cat slaves out there. But during his song we were connecting, both seeing the meaning in relationship. Different species but each with agency. Sheer wonder.
A timely and brilliant take-down of the tech delusions of a lost generation and much appreciated by myself, and surely all who take the time to read it. Have a blessed day and PLEASE keep writing.
This essay is a sunset, storm, howling wind turning to gentle rain giving way to a sunrise for the blessings of another day... wow! You brought a simultaneous heaving of my heart, feeling like tears ..but inspired by your words, invited to the 'whole world's our stage'... and a very deep, smiling sigh... right into 'now'. Thank you!!
I'll be rereading this, sharing and thanking you each time... 🙏
"Meaning is...the spark between the world as it is and the world as it could be, and the quiet realization that the bridge between them is..." *all of us*.
It's a crying shame that most of us can't see this, and only find meaning in their own perceived superiority over others, and accumulation of power, wealth, or objects.
And just when you think that the written word cannot get more inspirational.
I would gladly sacrifice an arm or a leg, or my life, to have a world leader sharing such thoughts with the country and the world.
This is what most of us wish to see, to live in, and to leave for ALL that come after our departing.
This is the spirit of Tikkun Olam, that it is our obligation, each and every one of us, to restore the world, to show our humanity in our one-ness, in our human unity.
I have traveled the world, sailed thousands of miles upon open seas, climbed to high mountain peaks and seen the world beneath the oceans. I have seen the ravages of cancer and held the hands of those dying and felt their light go out. Still, I have also felt the joy of seeing lives restored, and lived with fullness. How can we not want to share the wonders of life, the beauty of the Creation and teach such a Gospel as in today's commentary? Ask yourselves, what is the meaning of your life, of the lives of others, of the life of the Earth?
I love the great poets, but found many relatively unknown, that have shared these same thoughts about meaning for centuries. For many years, in love with the poetry of Emerson, I pasted copies of his poem Success to walls and computer monitors. I vowed to practice what he preached in that poem. Later I learned that it was Bessie Stanley, a poet I was unfamiliar with, that was the author of the poem attributed to Emerson. Here is one version of Bessie's poem "Success".
Success
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest citizens
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived
—this is to have succeeded.
Bessie Stanley 1905
Bessie would be grinning, ecstatic from reading Mike's commentary. Now, if we could just put someone with the mind and heart of Brock in the role of leadership, this country and this world would turn the parking lot back into a paradise.
This is terrific. Really stellar. It's the connection I feel with, for example Chopin, or Bach, when I hear their music. And the amazement of wondering how then and now at this moment at least 2 people are communicating through sound, or rather each registering meaning in music that is the intentional arrangement of sound, a property of the physics of the universe.
Or, more prosaically, my cat invariably wagging his tail when he heard me singing "his" song ( that I did in fact compose for him, both tune and lyrics, which were simply his name repeated and repeated!). He didn't react to my singing anything else,except probably to wish I would shut up, though he was too polite to say so. Nor did he often react to my speaking his name, which will surprise no cat slaves out there. But during his song we were connecting, both seeing the meaning in relationship. Different species but each with agency. Sheer wonder.
A timely and brilliant take-down of the tech delusions of a lost generation and much appreciated by myself, and surely all who take the time to read it. Have a blessed day and PLEASE keep writing.
Blown away by the sheer beauty of this piece!
Absolutely
This essay is a sunset, storm, howling wind turning to gentle rain giving way to a sunrise for the blessings of another day... wow! You brought a simultaneous heaving of my heart, feeling like tears ..but inspired by your words, invited to the 'whole world's our stage'... and a very deep, smiling sigh... right into 'now'. Thank you!!
I'll be rereading this, sharing and thanking you each time... 🙏
This was beautiful Mike🫶
Beautifully written once again. Thank you for your clarity and wisdom.
"Meaning is...the spark between the world as it is and the world as it could be, and the quiet realization that the bridge between them is..." *all of us*.
It's a crying shame that most of us can't see this, and only find meaning in their own perceived superiority over others, and accumulation of power, wealth, or objects.
"Meaning is what makes love powerful enough to be dangerous." ...a slogan to live by. Thanks for this whole beautiful meditation.