Maybe They Would Prefer John Dryden?

Some people might scoff at the idea of animals being spiritual teachers. Animals aren’t conscious of mortality and don’t worry about the future. Maybe the scoffers would prefer this fellow?

Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own;
He who secure within can say
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
—John Dryden, 1631-1700

Apparently he had his share of adversity and he practiced what he preached.

I admire Dryden but part of me cringes at the thought of tempting fate. Andy and I enjoy the present and don’t worry about future, but we do try to be prudent: we eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, buy a lot of insurance, etc. That works for us. What about you?

This entry was posted in Life As a Shared Adventure. Bookmark the permalink.

14 Responses to Maybe They Would Prefer John Dryden?

  1. Ginny+Hartzler says:

    Yes, I agree with you!

  2. Ann Thompson says:

    I agree with you. I’m not one to tempt fate much.

  3. MadSnapper says:

    there is not one bone in my body that will tempt fate if I can help it. No bunji jumping or climbing tall mountains, it is hard to be a person who tempts fate and also be afraid of a long long list of things.

  4. I’m one who often fantasizes about strapping on a parachute before boarding a jetliner. I’m the least likely soul to tempt fate — and will take every possible precaution to avoid doing so.

  5. Linda Sand says:

    One of the reasons we bought into our current living complex is that it offers continuing life care from independent living to assisted living to the care center. We never have to move further than down the hall and around the corner for whatever care we need the rest of our lives. Because of our family histories Dave wanted to be sure to be where memory care is offered. It is now too late for us to develop early onset Alzheimers but you never know what the future might include.

  6. I try not to put myself at “risk” – it seems just more sensible!

Comments are closed.