Purpose

If we are clamoring to make America Great Again , we need to look, first, in the mirror, and not always rant at the government or family or other loved ones on the topic.  It is so wonderful to simply realize that there is, quite likely, one small thing each of us can actually DO to be worthy of our citizenship in a government of, for, and by the people ( i.e., us - you and I)  The famous G.B. Shaw wrote this one and its lines are true and helpful to beat "the Januaries". 

The first time these words [by G.B.Shaw] were printed was in an article entitled 'Art and Public Money', published in the Sussex Daily News (7 March 1907).   *

Also named  "A Splendid Torch"  or, "Purpose" -  this is A New Years Inspiration for everyone!  A vitamin of a sort,  from George Bernard Shaw, one of my least favorite persons, but most favorite storytellers.  It is reprinted everywhere under several titles.   I hope you enjoy the easy read!  Elle

This is the true joy in life,

the being used for a purpose

recognized by yourself as a mighty one;

the being a force of nature

instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of

ailments and grievances

complaining that the world will not

devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that

my life belongs

to the whole community,

and as long as I live

it is my privilege

to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die,

for the harder I work the more I live.

I rejoice in life for its own sake.

Life is no “brief candle” for me.

It is a sort of splendid torch

which I have got hold of

for the moment,

and I want to

make it burn as brightly as possible

before handing it on to future generations.

** p.s. thank you to Prof. Martin who found the exact source for this famous writing at

http://shawquotations.blgspot.com.es/2014/08/life-is-no-brief-candle-to-me.html

Gustavo A. Rodríguez Martín

Dpto. de Filología Inglesa
Fac. de Filosofía y Letras
Universidad de Extremadura
Campus Universitario, s/n
Cáceres, 10003 - ESPAÑA

The Bernard Shaw Quotations Page

GeoShaw

George Bernard Shaw (GBS) Youtube Channel

Posted in Art, Inspirational story, spirit, writing, George Bernard Shaw

 and

tagged with writing, Story, true story, Famous Writer, inspirational story, Purpose, Elle Smith Fagan

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