Repost This on Your Site!It’s commonly said that the Greeks talked about two kinds of knowledge…
One you gain from study, the other you gain from experience.
But there’s a third kind of knowledge, one the Greeks absolutely didn’t have access to… but you do: refrigerator wisdom.
Yep, I’m talking about the kind you pick up somewhere between the other two, then print out and slap on your fridge with a magnet.
The following fits in that category.
No, it’s got nothing to do with copywriting. But it’s good advice for copywriters and everybody else, just the same. Besides, it’s springtime dammit. Just the right season for this kind of message.
How so?
I picked this up the following from an email sent by the good folks over at www.inspiringlife.co.uk. It’s reportedly a note from an 85-year old man about to leave this world behind.
Here’s what he said:
“If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I wouldn’t be so perfect. I would relax more. I’d limber up. I’d be sillier than I’ve been on this trip. In fact, I know very few things that I would take seriously.
“I’d be crazier. I’d be less hygienic. I’d take more chances, I’d take more trips, I’d climb more mountains. I’d swim more rivers, I’d go to more places I’ve never been to. I’d eat more ice cream and fewer beans. I’d have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
“You see, I was one of those people who lived prophylactically and sensibly hour after hour, day after day, year after year. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of those moments – moment by moment by moment.
“I’ve been one of those people who never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had it to do all over again, I’d travel lighter next time.
“If I had it to do all over again, I’d start out earlier in the spring and stay away later in the fall.
“I’d ride more merry-go-rounds, I’d watch more sunrises, I’d play with more children… if I had my life to live all over again.”
Sounds like a good idea, don’t you think?
If you’re sub-85 and reading this, I suggest you put down the copywriting stuff for just a moment, close your laptop, and take some of his advice.
Because God knows, if not now… when?
I tried to post a comment earlier, although it has not shown up. I assume your spam filter might be broken?
This was so refreshingly true to read, thank you for sharing this wisdom and reminding us that life is what is happening when we are busy making plans and striving to live by ideals that we somehow convince ourselves that we have to go by, don’t let the status-quo tell you where to go, we was all born original, please don’t die a copy!
@Veronica Eaton: Yes Veronica, there IS something wrong with my spam filter… in that it’s operated by yours truly! My apologies. Posts didn’t go up because I overlooked a pile of them slated for approval. They should be up now. Thanks for your patience!
John
I loved the information you provided