The 3 Doors to wisdom

A King had, as only son, a young Prince, brave, skillful and intelligent. To perfect his knowledge of life, he sent him by the side of an Old Wise Man.

"Bring Light to my path of Live", the Prince asked.

"My words will faint away like the prints of your steps in the sand", the Wise Man answered. However, I want to give you some indications. On your path, you will find 3 doors. Read the rules written on each of theme.

An irresistible need will urge you to follow them. Don't try and get away from them, because you would be condemned to live again, ceaselessly, what you have avoided. I may tell you no more.

You have to feel all this deep in your heart and in your flesh. Go, now. Follow this path, right in front of you. "

The old wise Man disappeared and the Prince entered the Path of Life.

He was soon in front of a big door, on which one could read:

"CHANGE THE WORLD"

"It was my intention indeed", the Prince thought, "because if some things please me in this world, others greatly displease me."

And he began his first fight. His ideal, his ardour and his power urged him to confront himself to the world, to undertake, to conquer, to model reality according to his desires.

He found there the pleasure and the dizzness of the conqueror, but no peace in his heart. He managed to change some things but many others resisted to him. Many years passed.

One day, he met the old wise Man who asked him:

"What have you learnt on your path?"

"I have learnt," the Prince answered, "how to discern what is within my power and what is without, what depends on me and what does not depend on me".

"That's good!", the old Man said. "Use your strength to act on what is within your power. Forget what's beyond you power."
And he disappeared.

A bit later, the Prince was in front of a second door.
He could read on it :

Desiderata

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than your self.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution on your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is, many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perrenial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to the shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress your self with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

"Desiderata" was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945).