discovering Emerson again

"To laugh often and love much;

To win respect of intelligent people

And the affection of children;

(photo by Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair)

To earn the approbation of honest critics

And endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To give one’s self;

To leave the world a little better,

Whether by a healthy child,

A garden patch,

Or redeemed social condition;

To have played and laughed with enthusiasm

(Tonya Crawford)

And sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived…
This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)