Many men and women living and dead have dedicated their lives to the betterment of mankind. In so doing, they have left their thoughts and deeds for us who are still living to be challenged for change.
At this Thanksgiving time of year, I would like to dedicate this column to those who have decided to take up their human arms and minds to bear the discomfort in order to ensure a state of well being for all. I offer the following as food for thought:
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free
We thank with brief Thanksgiving
Whatever Gods may be,
That no life lives forever,
That dead men rise up never
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909), English poet
When I’m not thank’d at all, I’m thank’d enough,
I’ve done my duty, and I’ve done no more.
Henry Fielding (1707-1754) English novelist and playwright
God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.
Izaak Walton, 1593-1683, English biographer and author
Reflecting on poverty:
There are two things needed in this day:
first, for rich men to find out how poor men live;
and second, for poor men to know how rich men work.
Edward Atkinson (1827-1905), American textile manufacturer and writer
If we permit extremes of wealth for a few and enduring poverty
for many, we shall create a social explosiveness and a demand for revolutionary change.
Dwight David Eisenhower (1800-1969), American general and 34th President of the United States
A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money.
W.C. Fields (1879-1946), American comedian
A definition of wealth:
Few things have been more productive of controversy over the ages
than the suggestion that the rich should, by one device or another,
share their wealth with those who are not.
John Kenneth Galbraith, (1908-2006), American economist
No doctrine has shocked me more than the common American formula that he who has much money must be admirable and he who has none ought to apologize.
John Erskine (1879-1951), American educator and author
Revolution is the lava of civilization.
Victor Marie Hugo (1802-1885) French author
Too long denial of guaranteed right is sure to lead to
revolution—bloody revolution, where suffering must fall upon the
innocent as well as the guilty.
Ulysses Simpson Grant (1822-1885), American general and 18th President of the United States
Revolutions are like the most noxious dung-heaps, which bring
into life the noblest vegetables.
Napoleon I. Bonaparte, 1769-1821, Emperor of the French
The best security against revolution is in constant correction of abuses and the introduction of need improvements. It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.
Richard Whately (1787-1863), English logician and theologian
Again, to those who are laying their bodies down uncomfortably, and to those who have not joined you, pray at this Thanksgiving that your mind, body and soul will encourage others throughout the world to realize that a change is at hand and we cannot give up.