I Could Indeed Have Changed The World

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.  

I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.  

When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.  

I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. 

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family.  

My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

by Unknown Monk, 1100 A.D.