Ambition for a higher calling, I say.
There is nothing more ambitious than loving your life and serving for the betterment of your people (all of society.) people
When did our societies stop valuing those who forgo wealth accumulation?
When was it not gauche to praised billionaires who skirt pay taxes but make up for it by being funny on a unfunny commercial comedy channel or hand out $1.99 stuffed animals at cancer centers to show they care as long as they don’t have to contribute?
When did we stop dedicating ousevles to a better society, with ambitious goals for all?
I do not know who said this speech below, but to me, this speech is quintessential American on how they should live their lives on this harsh “American” continent.
This speech was given to young fighters who’s chance to learn their culture in old age was unlikely, so they asked a older chieftain (debatable as to who that was) as ro how they should prepare their songs for death.
The answer is a celebration of how one should best live life..
I have this speech hanging in office.
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. *Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. *
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”