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"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t c

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world." Source unknown

sbstnxyz 2y ago
That was nice to read, but I feel like most people need a purpose beyond self-improvement. Maybe I misunderstood it. How do you interpret that?
- klyrs 2y ago
  I guess I'm approaching middle age, and the quote resonates with me. If you read that and don't see the purpose of self-improvement, how do you expect to change the world? Take therapy as an example. You can help people learn how to cope with challenges in life without spreading their pain. So, you could become a therapist, to help your patients make the world a better place. But what's the first step to being a clinical counselor? Extensive therapy! You've gotta learn the skill, walk the walk, before you can hope to help others.
- rapfaria 2y ago
  From a young age We wanna reach for the stars (perhaps mother saying I'm just great?) but the cosmos inside your home is plenty.
- nanomonkey 2y ago
  One of the most effective ways to lead others is to be a working example of the behavior you are trying to promote. If you think people should garden more, then you damn well better be out gardening, and showing people how it improves your life.
paipa 2y ago
That took a corny ending compared to the "Now, as an old man I realize the only thing I can change is my underwear. On a good day" punchline that I expected.
- tempie2024 2y ago
  Then my family changed my underwear. Then the town…
xprn 2y ago
Be the change you want to see in the world. Those that feel the same will follow, and even moreso if they see they’re not alone.

sbstnxyz 2y ago

That was nice to read, but I feel like most people need a purpose beyond self-improvement. Maybe I misunderstood it. How do you interpret that?

klyrs 2y ago
I guess I'm approaching middle age, and the quote resonates with me. If you read that and don't see the purpose of self-improvement, how do you expect to change the world? Take therapy as an example. You can help people learn how to cope with challenges in life without spreading their pain. So, you could become a therapist, to help your patients make the world a better place. But what's the first step to being a clinical counselor? Extensive therapy! You've gotta learn the skill, walk the walk, before you can hope to help others.
rapfaria 2y ago
From a young age We wanna reach for the stars (perhaps mother saying I'm just great?) but the cosmos inside your home is plenty.
nanomonkey 2y ago
One of the most effective ways to lead others is to be a working example of the behavior you are trying to promote. If you think people should garden more, then you damn well better be out gardening, and showing people how it improves your life.

paipa 2y ago

That took a corny ending compared to the "Now, as an old man I realize the only thing I can change is my underwear. On a good day" punchline that I expected.

tempie2024 2y ago
Then my family changed my underwear. Then the town…

xprn 2y ago

Be the change you want to see in the world. Those that feel the same will follow, and even moreso if they see they’re not alone.