The most invaluable poem I discovered last year.

It speaks a lot about human nature — the things that most of us do without any clear reason.

Nothing’s wrong with these things. But they can be destructive in the long run.

You don’t have to believe me. Explore yourself. Question your behavior.

Thanks to Gabriele Ebbighausen for writing the poem (in German), and Julian Reisinger for the English translation. Brilliant work.

Read it slowly. Devour every line.

“As long as you try
to impress others,
you are not convinced
of your own strength.

As long as you strive
to be better than others,
you are doubting your
own worth.

As long as you try
to elevate yourself
by lowering others,
you are questioning your
own greatness.

Who is in peace with oneself
doesn’t have to prove anything
to others.

Who knows one’s own worth
doesn’t need validation.

Who knows about one’s own greatness
lets others keep theirs.”

What drives you to impress and compete with others? What are you trying to prove? Why are you not at peace with yourself?