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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 ~
Sheryl said:
Wonderful quote–It says to much about giving more than we are taking.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Sheryl, it does indeed.
Diana xo
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Jean said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
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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wisejourney said:
I want to plant an orchard, !
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dianasschwenk said:
Haha – excellent – go for it!
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Jennifer, and most do it anonymously without recognition! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Mark. Quotes inspire and speak to me! ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
Love the quote Diana, makes me want to go plant a tree today.
Karen
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dianasschwenk said:
Go plant Karen! 🙂 you already do from what I can see!
Diana xo
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Ian Munro @ leadingessentially.com said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
So glad it resonates with you Ian!
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
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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Minuscule Moments said:
Beautiful Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much Kath! ❤
Diana xo
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peakperspective said:
Lovely, sage words, Diana, and a combination that can spark some marvelous thought and action. Cheers!
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dianasschwenk said:
I think so too! ❤
Diana xo
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Eric Tonningsen said:
I wonder, too, Diana. A thoughtful post.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Eric! 😀
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
That’s a great quote. The long view — very, very important sometimes!
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes! All the views are important my friend!
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
What? … You mean even, like, Canadians?? 😀
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dianasschwenk said:
Well don’t go overboard Smitty! 😉
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Val Boyko said:
Wise and inspiring words Diana. ❤
Val x
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Val! I’m thrilled to hear it inspired you. ❤
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
I love this post, for 10, 50, more like 100 reasons. Thanks, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Ann, so glad you like it. ❤
Diana xo
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jmgoyder said:
You are manna!
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dianasschwenk said:
You are kind. Thank you Julie! ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Good point! Now that I am 60, maybe it is finally time for me to plant that tree 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Maybe Elizabeth, maybe you still have time to go – 60 isn’t exactly aged! 🙂
Diana xo
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