Oddity of the Week: We All Have Dreams
Created | Updated Jan 20, 2013
The Oddity for this week is not exactly amusing. But we hope to be inspirational.
We All Have Dreams
But We're Not Sure Where to Find Them, These Days
21 January 2013 is Martin Luther King Day in the US. On that day, people all over the country come together, usually to perform acts of service in their neighbourhoods, in honour of Dr Martin Luther King, a brave man who gave his life so that all of us – regardless of race, creed, or national origin – might have an equal share in the blessings of life. A student of the methods of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr King was non-violent in his approach. We praise him, and rightly so.
Here at the Post, we wished to honour Dr King with a photo, but that is not easily done. Most of the pictures of Dr King were taken by newspaper and magazine photographers, and these images are still under copyright. Here at the Post, we honour the copyright laws of all nations.
We thought we might share Dr King's most famous words, the ones he uttered in public on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on 28 August 1963. In that speech, Dr King expressed the hope that one day, all people would live on terms of equality, being judged not by the colour of their skin, but the content of their character. Unfortunately, we cannot do that, either: courts have decided that Dr King's words belong, not to the public, but to the copyright holders. This speech will not become public domain until 2038 – unless, of course, the laws are once again changed to allow the holders a copyright extension. Once again, we honour copyright laws everywhere. We will turn elsewhere for our inspiration on this day.
We think that Dr King might have liked this poem, which was a favourite of Adlai Stevenson's. Stevenson was another man who believed in peace, and would rather do the right thing than win, which may be why he was an unsuccessful presidential candidate. When people in Texas hit him over the head with a picket sign because they didn't like the UN, Stevenson remarked, 'I don't want to send them to jail. I want to send them to school.' Good man.
This poem was one Stevenson liked. It became enormously popular in the US in the late 1960s, and, mirabile dictu, has been ruled to be public domain by the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals (1976 decision). So it is with great satisfaction that we share with you a poem from 1927 on the subject of peace and universal enlightenment.
Desiderata
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. – Max Ehrmann, Terre Haute, Indiana
We hope we have provided just a little bit of inspiration for you today.
