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.