Frederick Douglass
The lesson taught at this point by human experience is simply this, that the man who will get up will be helped up; and the man who will not get up will be allowed to stay down. This rule may appear somewhat harsh, but in its general application and operation, it is wise, just, and beneficent. I know of no other rule which can be substituted for it without bringing social chaos. Personal independence is a virtue and it is the soul out of which comes the sturdiest manhood. But there can be no independence without a large share of self-dependence, and this virtue cannot be bestowed. It must be developed from within.
Food For Thought
It has been nearly a week of rest. Well, if you can call raising two children rest. Thank God I have a village of support to help in that journey. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and God knows that is the truth at its finest.
I feel a sense of settling in has occurred this week, as Easter has passed. While I have long known from a psychological perspective the regenerative power associated with Spring, something new is present and spiritually moving me in a way I have yet to fathom fully. There are great lessons to be gleaned from spiritual teachings, which transpire in ancient myths, religious texts, or the simple yet profound wisdom spoken by generations who have passed. I happened upon this citation from Frederick Douglass yesterday, and it moved me in a way that is still permeating within the depths of my soul as a seedling for hope, for the psyche to manifest virtue within its personal and collective callings.
As I read this citation and compared it to the Greek tragedy Daedalus’s underpinnings, I could not help but fathom; are we not just simply going through the same difficulties that our ancestors have undertaken, just with differing external circumstances?
People who stay down will be allowed to wallow there. Who’s duty is it to pick them up. Individuals who chose to get up will help begin their journey, for they stepped up to the plate and underwent the courage needed to take that first step into the unknown. The virtue of independence cannot manifest without a degree of Self-dependence, and this is the state I chose to raise my children within. Maybe if we all heeded the wisdom in Mr. Douglass’s words, this world would be a place of virtue.
Namaste, my friends. May blessings find you on your journey to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams. I hope you enjoy today’s podcast.
Filling Your Cup: The Discipline of Loving-Kindness – A Sacred Journey: Where Myths Unfold and Potential Awakens
- Filling Your Cup: The Discipline of Loving-Kindness
- Fill Your Glass: The Disciplined Practice of Loving-Kindness
- The Architecture of Joy: Navigating Darkness to Find Your Light
- How to Find Spiritual Grounding: Healing a Fractured Soul through Integrity
- The Unshakable Anchor: Building Hope in a Fractured World
