Encourage Their Dreams

Some do their work in the hope
that future generations will revere and bless them.
But the sage works so that future generations
will be free to follow their own paths
and live their own lives.

If we begrudge the younger generation
its enthusiasms or its dreams
it will only make us miserable.
Let us instead encourage their dreams,
support them with our wisdom,
and bless them with our prayers.
It is only fitting that the young inherit the world.
So did we.


Commentary:
Give freely of your leadership,
but don't worry about being appreciated.
Happily pass what wisdom you have gained
on to younger generations,
but don't worry about being valued.
Let them look ahead,
not behind.
We are their foundation,
they will supply the house.

~William Martin, in The Sage's Tao Te Ching