Changing the World by Changing Yourself

Okay, I'm not usually a bit quote person, but lately I have found so many noteworth quotes I just have to share.

I particularly loved the quote below. It speaks to my heart. It encompasses both the goal of my life... to improve myself and in doing so hopefully have a positive affect on those around me, compounding into a much larger affect on the world; and also addresses the fact that while we may feel powerless to change the world, or even our country, we can all change ourselves.

This was taken from the tomb of an Anglican bishop (1100 AD) in the crypts of Westminster Abbey:

"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 grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize; if I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world."