When I first read this, years ago, I was so impressed that I never forgot it and searched for it everywhere, then found it on the Internet, of course! Remembering it, even partially, at times of my greatest trials in life, gave me great comfort. So, although I am sure you also have heard it before, I just wanted to share it here.
THE PARADOXICAL COMMANDMENTS
by Dr. Kent M. Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
LOVE THEM ANYWAY.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
DO GOOD ANYWAY.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.
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.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
BUILD ANYWAY.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.
© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001
THE PARADOXICAL COMMANDMENTS
by Dr. Kent M. Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
LOVE THEM ANYWAY.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
DO GOOD ANYWAY.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.
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.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
BUILD ANYWAY.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.
© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001
