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“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek proverb
Each generation, at some point, bemoans the world they have inherited from the previous generation. With their whole lives ahead of them, they vow to leave a better world for the next generation.
Then life happens.
The drive to provide for, and protect, their immediate tribe becomes priority. They block out the injustices in the rest of the world, not entirely, but where these issues intersect their own survival – they choose to protect themselves.
This is not necessarily a bad thing.
This is how we have survived for tens of thousands of years.
We’re not really wired to think about 10, 50 or 100 years from now.
But perhaps in our old age, with our lives mostly behind us, we are freed up to think about future generations.
Perhaps then we are willing to plant the tree whose shade we will never personally enjoy.
I wonder what we could learn and what plans we would conceive if we listened to the idealistic dreams of the young and tempered them with the life-time wisdom of the aged.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Wonderful quote–It says to much about giving more than we are taking.
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Thanks Sheryl, it does indeed.
Diana xo
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I think being a parent already can be that…nurturing another person whose potential you may never see completely in your lifetime. But that is fine ..to enjoy each day of/with the child.
It is something like blogging, doing art or playing a musical piece: you never really know what type of imprint left behind for the receiver. Not really leaving behind wisdom. It’s just leaving behind another impression.
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thanks for sharing your perspective Jean! Music and art can touch on spirituality and lends itself to wisdom, don’t you think? ❤
Diana xo
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I want to plant an orchard, !
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Haha – excellent – go for it!
Diana xo
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I love that quote, Diana. How true when you think about it, that there are wise, selfless people in the world who do just that. 🙂
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Yes. Jennifer, and most do it anonymously without recognition! ❤
Diana xo
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What a magnificent concept, Diana. If only we could pair idealism and wisdom. Perhaps some can, perhaps some do. I think you are one who does and will, my friend. A bravo to you for bringing this up already.
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Thanks Mark. Quotes inspire and speak to me! ❤
Diana xo
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Love the quote Diana, makes me want to go plant a tree today.
Karen
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Go plant Karen! 🙂 you already do from what I can see!
Diana xo
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Love this Diana. It speaks to me in a voice I am familiar with and marries to the idea of how we go through chapters in life. Our middle chapter is usually about providing and protecting. That leaves our later chapter for contributing, creating, expressing, experiencing, etc.
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So glad it resonates with you Ian!
Diana xo
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Maybe if the decision makers were not those in the middle neither young nor old more good decisions would be made as it is the decision makers are those who are all about me me me
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Good point Jo-Anne! It is the people with money and power that make the decisions. This is not a new thing, I think anyway. 🙂
Diana xo
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Beautiful Diana.
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Thank you so much Kath! ❤
Diana xo
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Lovely, sage words, Diana, and a combination that can spark some marvelous thought and action. Cheers!
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I think so too! ❤
Diana xo
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I wonder, too, Diana. A thoughtful post.
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Thank you Eric! 😀
Diana xo
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That’s a great quote. The long view — very, very important sometimes!
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Yes! All the views are important my friend!
Diana xo
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What? … You mean even, like, Canadians?? 😀
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Well don’t go overboard Smitty! 😉
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Wise and inspiring words Diana. ❤
Val x
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Thank you Val! I’m thrilled to hear it inspired you. ❤
Diana xo
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I love this post, for 10, 50, more like 100 reasons. Thanks, Diana!
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Thank you Ann, so glad you like it. ❤
Diana xo
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You are manna!
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You are kind. Thank you Julie! ❤
Diana xo
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Good point! Now that I am 60, maybe it is finally time for me to plant that tree 🙂
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Maybe Elizabeth, maybe you still have time to go – 60 isn’t exactly aged! 🙂
Diana xo
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