This is what you shall do:
love the earth and the sun and the animals,
despise riches,
give alms to everyone that asks,
stand up for the stupid and crazy,
devote your income and labor to others,
hate tyrants, argue not concerning god,
have patience and indulgence toward the people,
go freely with powerful uneducated persons
and with the young and the mother of families,
re-examine all you have been told at school
or church or in any book,
dismiss whatever insults your own soul…
~ Walt Whitman ~
THE COASTAL CRONE 
I can relate to much within these words my friend.. Especially the line about “re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book,”,, AND yes always Dismiss that which insults our soul..
Bless you , and hope all is well in your world.. xxx Sue
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I am glad that you could relate his words. As I have grown older I question much of what I was taught. I especially liked the part about insulting the soul. All is well here on my side of the pond. The last few days of fall have meant low humidity and highs in the low 80s. Beautiful days for us!
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Wonderful to know.. Enjoy!! ❤
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Powerful, Important and Truthful words, my friend. I think of what a different world this would be if more would live by this advice. The older one gets, the more we realize that we are not so knowledgeable nor important in the grand scheme of things.
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Yes, as I grow older I consider so many things just a mystery that I will never solve. And I question all who seem to think they have the answers for the rest of us. Guess I am a late rebel or pagan! Thanks for stopping by on this beautiful day in Texas! You and Augustine take care!
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Wonderfully wise Walt. Having read this years ago, the most important lesson I have embraced from his words is, “…have patience and indulgence toward the people…” To me, this is significant. Appreciate your rekindling my awareness of this piece, JoNell.
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I had not read him in years but stumbled upon this piece somewhere. I am glad that you found something that you could appreciate. Thanks for taking time to comment.
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Wonderful, succinct advice. Dismissing that which insults the soul appeals to me too. Thanks for this.
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Yes, I really like that phrase also. He paints a picture with words.
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Lovely words for sure. I wonder how many of us can live up to them? Personally I didn’t do so well in the standing up for the stupid part, especially when they’re involved in politics 🙂
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Ha! I am not surprised that you did not agree with that part. I would like to think he meant those that were truly lacking and not just stupid as we think of stupid today! Thanks for keeping us in line!
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Powerful and deeply wise words from Mr. Whitman, thoughts of how to live together in our world. I go to my bed tonight pondering. Thanks for this sharing JoNell…
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It is good when we find words that make us stop and think about how we interact with the world around us. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts – always a pleasure to have you visit!
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Important words that resonate, thank you for this one.
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They somehow seems important today with all that is going on. I hope all is well with you, Val!
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Words from a noble soul with noble aspirations.
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I remember reading from “Leaves of Grass” years ago. This piece I found weeks ago and thought it had an important message. Thanks for stopping by!
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Wise words. would all live by them. XX Virginia
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All we can do is try to live by what we feel is best. I know you love the beauty of nature and life and go your own magical way. Peace and love to you!
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Great advice. 🙂
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I may print it up and put it on my desk. Thanks for commenting!
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Walt Whitman, one of my favorites.
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Mine too but I hadn’t read any of his work for a long time. This one seemed especially appropriate these days for me. Thanks for stopping to read and comment!
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I especially appreciate “…dismiss whatever insults your own soul”. And, yes, this one seems particularly appropriate these days to me too! 🙂 Great post, Jo Nell.
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Those were my favorite words also. I am glad that you appreciated it
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