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Quote of the Day: Ambassadorial Wisdom
James Day Hodgson (1915-2012) was a politician and diplomat who served during the administrations of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford, first as Secretary of Labor (1970-73) and later as Ambassador to Japan (1974-77). Many years after his retirement, Hodgson published a book titled American Senryu, a collection of senryū poetry written by Hodgson himself. Here is one of my favorite poems (in italics) from that book, including a bit of commentary by the author:
The exciting thought
That beauty is possible
Sustains us all.As seen here, beauty encompasses the full range of a sensually satisfying process — a process that starts with conception, extends to execution, and triumphs in realization. In this sense, such things as a well-played game, a complex business deal, or a successful diplomatic venture are all “beautiful.”
In every sphere of activity, the prospect of a “beautiful” outcome is a powerful motivator of men.
Wise words, those.
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I will carry that with me today!
Outstanding. Thanks, Mike.
Beautiful, Mike. When we are open to seeing beauty, we see it all around us. It can lighten our burdens and strengthen our resolve. Thanks.
I loved this, and had never heard of senryu before. Reminds me of Emerson’s “Beauty is its own excuse for being.” Thank you, Mike!
As will I, thank you Mike.
This great post is part of our Quote of the Day series. You can sign up for April here:
http://ricochet.com/419286/quote-of-the-day-signup-and-schedule-for-april-2017/
Don’t be shy, slackers!
That’s a wonderful quote. It is so true. Thank you.
That is wonderful. Thank you, Mike.
I finished reading your post and I looked out my window. I mowed and edged the front yard yesterday, and this morning I am watering it. There is a full blue sky and the sun is making the water on the grass look like diamonds.
You are right, even for the grass outside my window. It is Beauty.
Beautiful, thank you Mike :)
Thank you cheerleader man.
Thanks, everyone!
Ha!
Just wait until @10cents wakes up…
And of one very large and misunderstood gorilla.
Thanks Mike.
I have had a hard damn day. This helped me.
Thanks again Mike.
Today we saw a one-legged Song Sparrow jumping after bugs on the ground in our campsite and were reminded that beauty and fulfillment are in your point of view. He’s a happy bird, so to help him we cast out a few extra seeds.
Thanks, Mike, for reminding us of the proliferation of beauty.
I’m joining the chorus. Thank you Mike :)