The Paradoxical Commandments

I found this by accident while reading a Detroit News blog -- "Going Home. A Journal About Detroit's Neighborhoods." Michael Happy is a regular contributor and also involved in a group dedicated to revitalizing Fletcher Field, a park in the neighborhood in which he himself grew up. You can find the blog here:

While reading through Michael's posts, I came across the following (which someone had mailed to him anonymously) just at the right time:

"The Paradoxical Commandments"

1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

    Love them anyway.

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

    Do good anyway.

3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.

    Succeed anyway.

4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

    Do good anyway.

5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

    Be honest and frank anyway.

6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

    Think big anyway.

7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

    Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

    Build anyway.

9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

    Help people anyway.

10. Give the world the best you have an you'll get kicked in the teeth.

    Give the world the best you have anyway.

According to Michael's post, the Paradoxical Ten Commandments was penned by Dr. Kent M. Keith, in 1968.  Many others attribute these time-honored principles to Mother Theresa. No matter the original source, they offer us plenty to think about as we go about our daily lives.

Anna Amato

President & CEO

edtec central