The Law of Similars

On By Gregory HakeIn Observations on Life

The Philosopher by Sara Teasdale

I saw him sitting in his door,
Trembling as old men do;
His house was old; his barn was old,
And yet his eyes seemed new.

His eyes had seen three times my years
And kept a twinkle still,
Though they had looked at birth and death
And three graves on a hill.

“I will sit down with you,” I said,
“And you will make me wise;
Tell me how you have kept the joy
Still burning in your eyes.”

Then like an old-time orator
Impressively he rose;
“I make the most of all that comes,
The least of all that goes.”

The jingling rhythm of his words
Echoes as old songs do,
Yet this had kept his eyes alight
Till he was ninety-two.

Life is a constant process of coming and going. The human body, civilizations, fashions and seasons all come in to their own yet gradually give way to something new, in season. Given this constant ebb and flow, wise is the person who heeds the timeless words of Teasdale’s philosopher: “I make the most of all that comes, the least of all that goes.” In this simple statement is an important key to living.

Effectiveness in living is largely a matter of right emphasis. Decisions of course must be made, and at times you make good ones, others bad, but what you place emphasis on in the living of life will go a long way in shaping your experience of it. Emphasize wisely and your world will grow.

Don’t obsess overly about that which is passing away. Let, as they say, bygones be bygones and resist the tendency to worship dead forms: things gone by, past glories, material possessions. Look to give weight, instead, to the evidence of the presence of life around you, for the law of similars is a powerful remedy: like begets like.

What will you emphasize today?

12 thoughts on “The Law of Similars”

  1. My mother-in-law turned 90 yesterday – and she is still living in her home alone – so age has been on my mind – this poem is wonderful and I intend to keep my twinkle! Thank you!

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  3. Colin's avatar Colin

    This is a great message. There are some things that matter, and there are some things that don’t, and this is a simple way to differentiate between the two. Appreciate the things that enhance your life and you will be a lot farther down the path to wisdom than most.

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  4. strawberryfields's avatar strawberryfields

    My husband commented on this poem to me. He was inspired by the fact that at 92 he still had the twinkle in his eyes. This is an inside job. By 92 everyone has seen their share of good times and bad but he has chosen to dwell in the present.
    What a great poem.What a great view!! We really enjoyed this.

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  9. Estelle M.'s avatar Estelle M.

    As one who has likely lived more years than most of your readers, I can attest that the law of similars is true, and I feel blessed to have leaned in the direction of the philosopher’s words of wisdom. And how blessed are those who heed these words from this day forward. Wonderful post!

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  10. Lady Leo's avatar Lady Leo

    This poem can be haunting & poignant or a great relief. It is true what we think about the most becomes the foundation for our lives. Life is so short the time for joy, appreciation and thankfulness is now… regardless of our age.
    Beautiful post. I appreciate your propitious words!

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