(A “Notes to Self” Series)

Quote for Monday, 25 February 2019

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: ‘To rise above little things’.”

― John Burroughs

No. This isn’t about Shakespeare’s to be or not to be. We’ve gone past the “being” discussion now.

Yes. Today’s quote is somehow if not substantially relevant to Mother Teresa’s words in my blog yesterday. This may initially seem to be an antithesis of her words; however, I won’t say the two quotes are totally contradictory or inversely related.

Here are some of the reasons why:

• I tried to do a quick search of what the context behind John Burroughs’ words had been. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of his most popular quotes. Nonetheless, it’s quite interesting to note that whereas I don’t find him as popular as Mother Teresa to be able to compete with her wisdom. However, there are heaps of undocumented or unacknowledged people out there whose contributions in our world shouldn’t be readily relegated. Also, there’s not much information recorded to show conflicts or contradictions between the two’s thoughts either.
• Whereas Mother Teresa is known for her charitable, people-centric works, the legacy of John encompassed thoughts on nature conservation. His work isn’t to be judged but, instead, to be admired if such is the case. As custodians of the earth, we have the primordial responsibility to see to it that it gets preserved for generations to come, too. It is quite easier in our world to be too focused on ourselves. We might even consider other living things as “little things” that are merely subservient or meant to serve our needs. Rising above them would mean we’ve got greater power over their existence, and with such power comes responsibility. Such dictum reminds me of the movie Jupiter Ascending that I watched last night with my better half. Jupiter has understood and accepted her important role. Although hers is a fictional story, I think it’s the same compassion, care, and thought that we should be able to glean from today’s quote and to apply in reality, too.
• To focus on “little things” entails a viewpoint apart from what the little things would inherently have. We would only be able to focus on the little things if we recognise them as entities apart from ourselves. Rising above them, therefore, will enable us to have that focus. We can see things better by detaching ourselves first from what we intend to see, although we can still choose to make those things be a part of ourselves again thereafter.
• Mother Teresa’s “being” is the desired outcome. Taking further action is the logical next step if not a prerequisite to that. “Rising above” means not being stuck with “being” and, instead, moving on further.

Things like the ones I’ve been pondering on through my 365-day daily quotes challenge may have already been little things that I’ve known (or all of us know) for quite some time now. However, knowing is one thing, but doing is another. I may have lost (or not have had any moral ascendancy) to write about these things. Yet what’s good about writing “notes to self” pieces like this is that I am reminded of or may still have more opportunities to know what should be. Thus, there’s a greater probability and possibility that such would really come to be.

Thus, should I do something or not? If it’s “true, just, fair, and beneficial for all,” then why not?

I’ve made a commitment to do this blogging challenge, for one, so I’d continue doing so.

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(For more quotes about hope, check out Goodreads.)