The Essential Thing

About twenty-five years ago I made a commitment to myself: I would devote myself to personal transformation. I felt that doing so was my best hope for making a difference in the world. I had hoped to leave it to my children better than I found it.

 

I have kept my commitment over the years–to mixed results. I suppose that is to be expected. Transformation and egoism are mutually exclusive.

 

A while back, I came across a quote from Neitzsche that I believe expresses the fundamental reality of those of us who are on a journey of life-long learning:

 

"The essential thing in heaven and earth is...that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living."

 

To all of you that I pass on that "long obedience in the same direction," salut!

 

May the wind be at your back.

 

© Patrick O’Neill 2012. All rights reserved.