One Increasing Purpose Runs

At a time when men seem so sure of themselves in some ways and so unsure in others, a line or two from Tennyson seems worth remembering:

Yet I doubt not through the ages

One increasing purpose runs,

And the thoughts of men are widened

With the process of the suns.

In the midst of much trivia and much that is trashy, and much that is low-minded, these lines suggest looking to the uplifting things of life: the beauty of the earth, the wonder of nature, the endless expanse of space; the laughter of children, the love of loved ones, the affection of friends; the privilege of work; the infinity of what we don’t know, the marvel of memory and of the human mind. And instead of thinking or doing that which would damage the mind and the physical makeup of man, we well would look at what the Creator has created and respect ourselves, sincerely, in all the wonder of being alive—and turn ourselves to those things that lead to peace and self-respect—with cleanliness and honesty, and more fight and quarrel, or let ourselves drift down to lower levels, when here before us in the wonder of each day, and limitless possibilities of everlasting life.

Oh, let us live to respect ourselves, to respect others, and to cherish and appreciate those who have been given us to love and live with.

“Yet I doubt not through the ages, One increasing purpose runs, And the thoughts of men are widened, With the process of the suns.”