I still collect fortune cookie fortunes. They no longer have the power to be my puppet master. I keep them now as reminders of my dark days when paranoia clung to me.
Some of them are rather interesting. One in particular has been mulling in my thoughts recently. “A good memory is fine but the ability to forget is the one true test of greatness.”
At first I thought this statement was ridiculous, and I still think this to a certain extent. I have never heard anyone say that forgetfulness is a quality of greatness.
There are libraries full of history books to try and insure that people don’t forget. Though, a certain degree of skepticism can be a helpful tool.
Unfortunately a lot of history is forgotten by many people, and this does not in itself make them great people.
As usual I could not just drop the fortune cookie thoughts. I had to pursue what virtue the fortune writer might be alluding to.
I have decided that the word “forget” needed to be followed by the words “or forgive”. The writer must have been associating the word “forget” with the words “let it go and move forward”. In order to do this grudges must be released either through forgetfulness or forgiveness.
This release will liberate the mind and bring a joie de vivre that will bring forth a great life!
To end my thoughts for today I will share a silly poem I wrote some time ago.
The Beast
The under belly of the beast is the soft fleshy part that is closest to the ground. It growls when hungry for food or mischief.
The tongue paints strokes of persuasion stirring up the pot in search of flavor and energy.
The eyes shift, roll, open and close, trying to sustain focus on multiple directed tasks.
The brain is inundated with information waiting to be processed and filed. It looks for cohesion and purpose and assesses risk and reward.
The tail can be long or short depending on the day. It helps to steer and guide and maintains balance within its life.
The boat couldn’t sail without its rudder.
movingforwardslowly 