Piet Hein
To make a name for learning
when other roads are barred,
take something very easy
and make it very hard.
Our so-called limitations,believe,
apply to faculties we don't apply.
We don't discover what we can't achieve
until we make an effort not to try.
How instructive
is a star!
It can teach us
from afar
just how small
each other are.
The noble art of Losing Face
may one day save the Human Race
and turn into eternal merit
what weaker minds would call disgrace.
We ought to live
each day as though
it were our last day
here below.
But if I did, alas,
I know
it would have killed me
long ago.
It ought to be plain
how little you gain
by getting excited
and vexed.
You'll always be late
for the previous train,
and always on time
for the next.
If a nasty jagged stone
gets into your shoe,
thank the Lord it came alone-
what if it were two?
Does time exist?
I gravely doubt it.
But gosh, what should we do
without it?
We shall have to evolve
problem-solvers galore-
since each problem they solve
creates ten problems more.
Philosophers
must ultimately find
their true perfection
in knowing all
the follies of mankind
-by introspection.
Small people often overrate
the charm of being tall;
which is, that you appreciate
the charm of being small.
Some people cower
and wince and shrink,
owing to the fear of
what people may think.
There is one answer
to worries like these:
people may think
what the devil they please.
