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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Futurist who wrote (103062)	12/6/2000 11:40:23 AM
From: Rambi	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 769667

The Desiderata (the actual title, and the plural of desideratum which means something to be desired) isn't anonymous and isn't even that old, but it is certainly a wonderful piece. It was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann. Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

To: Futurist who wrote (103062)	12/6/2000 11:42:51 AM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769667

I think people are basically decent, but that is making allowances for considerable foibles, and assuming a reasonable degree of socialization. Without socialization, the benevolent impulses vie with malevolent impulses too much. Anyone who has been around younger children, and seen how wantonly aggressive they can be, all the more so against a child who is perceived as weak or abnormal, has observed the phenomenon. Similarly, when they are angry, they have little inhibition, and lash out; when they are covetous, they have little inhibition, and grab; and they have difficulty avoiding an extremely self- centered view of things. Rousseau was quite wrong, the core self is not per se good, and society does not mainly corrupt, it disciplines. The children who shoot one another over sneakers and coats are from broken homes in which the receive little adult attention or discipline. We must reinforce civilized values, including parental responsibility. I will see if I can find a digital version of Desideratum........