Chapter 82
Meeting Your Ancestor in Paradise
True love, that ever shows itself as clear In kindness, as loose appetite in wrong, Silenced that lyre harmonious, and still’d The sacred chords, that are by heav’n’s right hand Unwound and tighten’d, flow to righteous prayers Should they not hearken, who, to give me will For praying, in accordance thus were mute? He hath in sooth good cause for endless grief, Who, for the love of thing that lasteth not, Despoils himself forever of that love. As oft along the still and pure serene, At nightfall, glides a sudden trail of fire, Attracting with involuntary heed The eye to…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Moral Ancestry
Think of someone from your family, community, or professional background who represents the values you most admire. Write down three specific stories or principles from their life. Then identify one current challenge you're facing and consider how their approach might guide your decision. This isn't about copying their choices, but understanding their underlying framework.
Consider:
- •Focus on principles and approaches, not specific actions that may not apply to your situation
- •Consider what made their choices effective in their context versus what makes choices effective now
- •Look for patterns in how they handled adversity, relationships, or moral dilemmas
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when remembering your roots or family values helped you make a difficult decision. What did you learn about yourself in that moment, and how has it shaped your choices since?
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