First Change Myself

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits I dreamed

of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world

would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to

change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I entered my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt,

I sought to change only my family, those closest to me, but alas!

they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed and realize

(perhaps for the first time) that if only I’d changed myself first,

then by example I may have influenced my family and with their encouragement

and support may have bettered my country, and who knows, 

I may have changed the world.

—Inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop (1100 A.D)

 in the crypt at Westminster Abbey in London