Ever feel unappreciated and taken for granted? Wonder why it seems you are seldom rewarded for doing the right thing? A great book written by Kent Keith can hopefully help you find meaning and purpose in this crazy world.
He first points out that life is not always fair or logical, but that you should not complain about it or give up hope. Even though the world doesn’t make sense, you can make sense. You can find personal meaning in a crazy world.
The paradoxical commandments are a challenge by the author. The challenge is to always do what is right, good and true, even if others don’t appreciate it.
Acceptance of the Paradoxical Commandments translates to freedom – they can be your personal declaration of independence. You can be free from the craziness of this world. The ten Paradoxical Commandments are:
1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
Mr. Keith summarizes by stating “When more people are focused on meaning and less focused on “success,” the world will start to make sense. People will pitch in to help without worrying about who gets the credit, without worrying about who gets ahead in the company hierarchy. Decisions will not be made on the basis of power rivalries, but on the basis of what is best for individuals, organizations and society.”
He concludes “When you live the paradoxical life, you will find personal meaning in a crazy world. You will make a difference. You will change lives – one of the lives you change will be yours.” I could not agree more!
Comments