When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,Idreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only mycountry. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, Isettled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas,they would have none of it. And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would havechanged my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have beenable to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changedthe world.
回复 '四则舍' 的评论 :引自Georgia Psychological Association 发表的文章:
Changing the World
William F. Doverspike, Ph.D.
drwilliamdoverspike.com
770-913-0506
“Everybody thinks of changing the world, and nobody thinks of changing himself.” 1
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)
The words of a 19th century Russian novelist were echoed by the famed strategic psychotherapist Jay Haley who once observed that people often seek psychotherapy not to change but to keep from changing. In other words, we are often more concerned with changing others than in changing ourselves. In revealing the paradoxical secret of change, Georgia psychologist Daniel Johnston has noted, “If you change yourself, the surprise is that others may change as well” (2001, p. 44). Dr. Johnston’s observation had been made centuries earlier by an Anglo-Saxon Bishop (1100 A.D.) whose words of wisdom were written on his tomb in the crypts of Westminster Abbey: