The Power of Purpose

Thursday February 7, 2013 comments

"This is the one true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

 I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.

 I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no `brief candle' to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

                                                                George Bernard Shaw

This is a familiar quote to many and one of my favorites.  Shaw was a committed and vocal Irish Socialist so his politics were not my “cup of tea” (how do you like that very British reference!).  That said, he was an essayist and playwright with a magical ability to communicate.

Bearing in mind the length of the quote and my promise of a one-minute read … a simple suggestion: re-read the quote, reflect on your sense of purpose and how aligned your daily actions are to it.

Comments, as always, are most welcome!  I read them all and comment on many.

With love and respect,