Words of wisdom

["Shahab Mesbah" <meteor2@moscow.com>]

Dearest friends,

I am not sure if this is really from an unknown monk of 1100 A.D. since
monks usually do not have families but to me that is really irrelevant. I
feel there is a lesson to learn here that applies to where we are as a
society. A friend just sent this to me but I find that it parallels some of
the points I was trying to make recently so I am forwarding it to you. I
think this is more eloquent and effective than my ramblings.
"Your brother in arms"
Shahab...

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so "I tried to change my
nation.
When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and
suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made
an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our
town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have
changed the world."

         - Unknown monk, 1100 A.D.