“Words & ideas change the world.” – John Keating

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I previously posted two blog entries in a row (Sunday, June 13, 2010, and Monday, June 14, 2010), both proposing that we cannot change the world, that we can only change ourselves.

Wait though!

In the second post, the Unknown Monk held out hope that if we change ourselves first [for the better], then we indeed may be able to change our families, our communities, our nation, and our world. 😮

Especially if we unite with like-minded people who are also willing to change themselves for the better,  in order to be able to help others change for the better. 😮

Carpe diem! [Seize the day!]

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” This was John Keating, speaking to a group of young men who were studying inspiring poems written by now-dead poets:

“[These dead poets are] not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they’re destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? – – Carpe – – hear it? – – Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.” – John Keating

Pick your path: Be intelligent and wise

You can “seize the day” in at least two distinct ways of which I am aware. Two distinct pathways of life:

(1) You can be violent and destructive and tear things down, both the bad and the good.

(2) You can be relentless and creative in building something new and worthwhile.

Will you find obstacles to your goals on both paths. You bet!

If you do nothing, or very little, or work quietly “out of the limelight,” you will still encounter obstacles.

“Even oysters have enemies.”  – Jack Nicholson

Carpe diem!

Doc Meek, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (1st posting, morning)

At Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA; not at South Jordan, Utah, USA

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