Every day, do something that won't compute.

I spent this last week at the Aspen Institute in the final session of my three year commitment as a Henry Crown Fellow. I was captivated by one of the last readings we addressed as a group, a poem by Wendell Berry that poignantly nails themes of originality, action, presence, and resilience. So, on a blog where I usually type my own thoughts, this time, I'll point to those of another:

Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front
by Wendell Berry

Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery
any more. Your mind will be punched in a card
and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.

So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.

Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested
when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.

Put your faith in the two inches of humus
that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion - put your ear
close, and hear the faint chattering
of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world. Laugh.
Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: Will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?

Go with your love to the fields.
Lie down in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign
to mark the false trail, the way
you didn't go. Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.

Comments

[Jurvetson]

celebrate the child-like mind

[Cynthia Kremer]

Wow, really beautiful poem!

[Michael Sippey]

[this is good]

[tite]

...and practice daily.....YOGA

[Scott Truitt]

Chris, you may also enjoy a similar but shorter piece from Wendell, entitled "The Real Work." It's been a constant source of strength for me:

It may be that when we no longer know what to do we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.

Thanks for sharing.

[Chanel Jewelry]

Above all that, when you are doing other Coach Bags there are different women’s UGG Boots on sale for various occasions. Let’s say you can have the classic ghd Hair Straighteners or neutral shaded pump for formal wear, strappy sandals or sexy MBT Shoes for the evening out, casual Chanel Jewelry that go best with your jeans and beach Ray Ban Sunglasses.

[coach bags outlet]

Thanks for your sharing!http://www.gucci-outlet.us/ gucci handbags outlet great helpful!!!Thank you
why do not you have a look at our website
thank you !! I am pleased to share my joy with you?
love bags.
http://www.gucci-outlet.us/ gucci handbags outlet
http://www.gucci-outlet.us/ gucci outlet
http://www.gucci-outlet.us/ gucci handbags
http://www.coach-bags-outlet.com/ coach bags outlet
http://www.coach-bags-outlet.com/ coach bags
http://www.coach-bags-outlet.com/ coach outlet
zocy005 on 2010-7-9

[abercrombie uk]

Well said, such a person should be a good sentence, or the future will be more rampant.

[new balance]

It is no use doing what you like,you have got to like what you do.Do you think so?

[Abercrombie fitch london]

In the meantime, welcome to all the new Microsoft search bots that I am sure this post will attract

[ed hardy uk]

This one is nice picture The Losers" motley crew is played by,

[HuangEdison]

A typical look at does reflects your wealth, status and ability..

[abercrombie]

Notice that the Chinese know how to do a stimulus package, while no one in power seems to know how to do a stimulus package here in the US.

[Asics shoes]

Colour the dog lantern black. the dog is smart

[Epad]

wonderful blog,thanks for sharing.http://www.efox-shop.com

[Abercrombie clothing]

I'd like to point out that we have a shiny, black T-bird convertible for sale with your name written all over it.1

[abercrombie]

I will never forget my oncologist telling me that I had to change my life in order to live.

[AJF 20]

I have read your article, I think you are right. So I want keep writting all the time. And in one day I will be a successful writter. I still remember everything what we do is worthy. Thanks you post this article there.

[Jordan 11]

I have read your article, your article always can make me happy. Maybe in reality social you are a optimist. Life just need us to face up with the tough and difficulty.

[replicas-relojes]

www.replicas-relojes.net : REPLICAS RELOJES , REPLICAS DE RELOJES ROLEX and IMITACIONES DE RELOJES SUIZOS LUJO

[louis vuitton]

I have read your article, I think you are right. So I want keep writting all the time. And in one day I will be a successful writter. I still remember everything what we do

[LV wallets]

have read your article, I think you are right. So I want keep writting all the time. And in one day I will be a successful writter. I still remember everything what we do is worthy. Thanks you post this article there.

[lv store]

goo job

[gucci handbags]

Thank you so much! I was encouraged to do something now. Never give up our dream, the youth is our factor of success.

[speedy 30]

e, I think you are right. So I want keep writting all the time. And in one day I will be a successful writter. I still remember everything what we do is worthy. Thanks you post this article there.