For all worldly things shall indeed pass. When I am heavy with heartache I shall console myself that this too shall pass; when I am puffed¹ with success I shall warn myself that this too shall pass. When I am strangled in poverty I shall tell myself that this too shall pass; when I am burdened with wealth I shall tell myself that this too shall pass. Yea, verily, where is he who built the pyramid? Is he not buried within its stone? And will the pyramid, one day, not also be buried under sand? If all things shall pass why should I be of concern for today?

 

I will laugh at myself for man is most comical when he takes himself too seriously. Never will I fall into this trap of the mind. For though I be nature's greatest miracle am I not still a mere² grain tossed about by the winds of time? Do I truly know whence I came or whither I am bound? Will my concern for this day not seem foolish ten years hence? Why should I permit the petty happenings of today to disturb me? What can take place before this sun sets which will not seem insignificant³ in the river of centuries?

 

And how can I laugh when confronted with man or deed which offends me so as to bring forth⁴ my tears or my curses? Four words carry me through every adversity and maintain my life in balance. These four words are: This too shall pass.

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