If I Had Only Changed Myself First

An epitaph taken from Westminster — anonymous

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits I dreamed of changing the world. 

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change. So I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. 

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt I settled for changing only family, those closest to me But alas, they would have none of it. 

And now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realise ； If I had only changed myself first. 

Then, by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country And who knows, I may even have changed the world.