Engraved in Westminster Cathedral onchanging our own motto
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.
As i grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
當(dāng)我年輕的時候,我的想象力從沒有受過限制,我夢想改變這個世界。
當(dāng)我成熟以后,我發(fā)現(xiàn)我不能夠改變這個世界,我將目光縮短了些,決定只改變我的國家。
當(dāng)我進(jìn)入暮年以后,我發(fā)現(xiàn)我不能夠改變我的國家,我的最后愿望僅僅是改變一下我的家庭。但是,這也不可能。
當(dāng)我現(xiàn)在躺在床上,行將就木時,我突然意識到:如果一開始我僅僅去改變自己,然后作為一個榜樣,我可能改變我的家庭;在家人的幫助和鼓勵下,我可能為國家做一些事情。
然而,誰知道呢?我甚至可能改變這個世界!