"In ancient times those who practiced Tao
didn't want to enlighten people,
but to keep them natural and simple.
When cleverness and intellect abound,
people don't do well.
A leader who governs with cleverness
cheats his people.
A leader who governs with simplicity
is a blessing to his people.
These are the two alternatives.
Understanding them is subtle insight.
The use of subtle insight brings
all things back into the oneness."
How can I explain my longing for a son? To some, I'm just a Catholic girl in a sexist, patriarchal, paternalistic society. To me--well, I'm just a curious girl who stumbled young upon her parents' copy of The Prophet: "Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself."
Longing for itself, indeed. That this son or daughter could come through me--independent and fully realized in his or her own right? A miracle. A growing miracle. Of course. And that's exactly why I've always counted myself blessed to wonder more: who my children are than how; where they will come from than when they will arrive. Still, the pain of waiting for them has been no less. I only hope that, while they are here, they will know life's longing and love.
didn't want to enlighten people,
but to keep them natural and simple.
When cleverness and intellect abound,
people don't do well.
A leader who governs with cleverness
cheats his people.
A leader who governs with simplicity
is a blessing to his people.
These are the two alternatives.
Understanding them is subtle insight.
The use of subtle insight brings
all things back into the oneness."
How can I explain my longing for a son? To some, I'm just a Catholic girl in a sexist, patriarchal, paternalistic society. To me--well, I'm just a curious girl who stumbled young upon her parents' copy of The Prophet: "Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself."
Longing for itself, indeed. That this son or daughter could come through me--independent and fully realized in his or her own right? A miracle. A growing miracle. Of course. And that's exactly why I've always counted myself blessed to wonder more: who my children are than how; where they will come from than when they will arrive. Still, the pain of waiting for them has been no less. I only hope that, while they are here, they will know life's longing and love.
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