Principles of Adult Behavior - Inspiration Thursday

John Perry Barlow died just over a week ago.  Barlow was a man of words and of music and a powerful force for freedom and justice, especially in the technological realm.  He first came to my attention through the Grateful Dead where, alongside Robert Hunter, he crafted the lyrics to an astonishing multitude of truly superb songs; poetry put to music.  Back in 1977, as Barlow's 30th birthday approached, he drafted a list of what he called "principles of adult behavior," which would guide him throughout the remainder of his life.  

Click on the picture and it should open in a larger/expanded view--or you can read the list here.

The list continues to be one of his most circulated works--and with valid reason.  It rings the same bell in me as does Max Ehrmann's "Desiderata."  As such I took John's list and formatted it in a similar visual style to hang, alongside Desiderata, in our home.

To remind me of things worth remembering --and which can be so hard for me sometimes:
"Try not to forget that, no matter how certain, you may be wrong,"

"Praise at least as often as you disparage,"

"Reduce your use of the first personal pronoun."
"Tolerate ambiguity."
"Never assume the motives of others are, to them, less noble than yours are to you."
"Forgive."