Why have managers ignored the poets for so long?
Contemporary English poet David Whyte
David Whyte uses contemporary language to talk about the essential ontological question of management, work, organizations and successful business.
When he takes his ball home, the universe takes its ball home too . . .
Far too often, our remedies for this world involve sulking. Like an aggrieved child in a playground, we pick up our ball and go home. We don’t address the lack of respect that sent us into a spin.
Persian poet, Khalil Gibran
Poets through the ages tell us that we find meaning and satisfaction through action, not inaction. Through engagement, not withdrawal.
Yesterday, I posted an excerpt on self-knowledge from Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet. He says it too.
We don’t find our bliss by staying in. We find our bliss by setting out on a path. And on that path we don’t meet our soul. We meet the soul.
It also matters little which path we follow. Many lead paths to the soul. What matters is that we travel the path. What matters is that we set out. What matters is that we adventure a path.
We will recognize the soul on the way because it will recognize us. And we recognize ourselves, we acquire self-knowledge, when the soul says good day.
Goodbye Mr Chips
Similar lines were said in the iconic movie, Goodbye Mr Chips, by the German teacher to the gawky, awkward Englishman.
“I found that when I stopped judging myself harshly, the world became kinder to me. Remember I told you once, go out, and look around the world. Do that now. Only this time, let the world look at you. And the difference, I assure you, the world will like what it sees.”
Only this time, let the world look at you. I assure you, the world will like what it sees.
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