The Calmness of the Heart - Part II
Don’t believe what everyone believes
But what you understand
Don’t be part of an entirety
Which is not part of yourself
Dare to dream and to disappoint
Don’t do what is expected from you
But what you don’t even expect from yourself
Listen to people
But don’t admire them
Respect experience
For it possesses a precious value
Share your own experience
With the inexperienced
Without dictating to them
For they only take what they need
Accept the unknown
Without deploring it
For in the eyes of the unknown
You are a stranger yourself
Don’t close the door to it
For transformation
Comes when you doubt what is familiar
Accept our own finitude
Acknowledge that we are not in possession
Of the absolute truth
And thus, our truth is part of a far greater truth
Delight in the mysteries of life
As life delights in your curiosity
And only be content
Once your heart has found fulfilment
Don’t reach out to the one
Who decides to lie on the ground
For this person will only debilitate you
Without understanding
Realize that we are responsible
For saving ourselves
And it is not cruel
To walk on
Yet reach out to the one
Who needs and accepts your help
Not for your own sake
But in the knowledge that
They will help you in return
Should it be you who is lying on the ground
Don’t give without taking
No one is a hero
Forgetting themself out of sheer giving
Don’t seek fame
Nor power nor money
For those come as fast
As they go
And poison your mind
Take up the struggle
Even in yourself
And be aware of your capabilities
Don’t be someone you aren't
For a duty
Carried out for whatever noble purpose
And not exploiting your full potential
Is a waste of time in the end
Don’t try to change the world
But change yourself
For this works much faster and easier
Don’t criticise the deeds of others
But suggest possibilities
Of how to do it better
For the critic principally
Often forgets on principle
That the world doesn’t get better
By simply being against it
Be yourself
For this is what it’s all about in the end
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