"Speak the truth, do not yield to anger give, if thou art asked for little by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods."

This quote is all about living a good life by following three simple steps: being truthful, keeping your cool, and being generous. Imagine how many problems in the world could be fixed if everyone just kept these three things in mind. Truth, patience, and generosity—these are the keys to a life well-lived.

Let's travel back a bit to understand why this advice is so timeless. This wisdom comes from the teachings of ancient philosophers and religious texts. It was a time when people were trying to figure out how to live harmoniously in societies that were just forming rules and norms. They noticed that a lot of strife came from lies, anger, and selfishness. So, sages and thinkers stressed the importance of these three virtues as a path to a higher, almost divine way of living.

Now, let’s make it a bit more concrete with a real-life example. Think about someone like Mr. Rogers. Yeah, the cardigan-wearing, TV show-hosting icon of kindness. He was the epitome of these three principles. He always spoke the truth, but in a kind way. He was known for his calm demeanor and even when dealing with difficult topics or people, he never lost his temper. And generosity? The man dedicated his life to educating and nurturing kids. He didn’t have to do that—he could have chosen a much more lucrative path, but he gave his time and love generously. And in doing so, he became someone near to godliness in the eyes of many.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start small. It’s not like you wake up one day and suddenly you’re a saint. Begin with the truth. Be honest in your daily interactions, even when it’s tough. Next, work on not letting anger dictate your reactions. If you feel yourself getting heated, take a deep breath, count to ten—whatever works for you. Lastly, don’t be stingy with kindness. If someone needs help, and you can offer it without huge sacrifice, just do it. You don’t have to give away your life savings, but maybe buy a coffee for a friend who’s having a rough day.

Imagine you’re at work, and a co-worker messes up a big project. You’re fuming because now you have to work late to fix it. Instead of snapping at them, you take a few deep breaths. You calmly explain what went wrong and how it can be fixed. They ask if you can help because they’re feeling overwhelmed. You decide to stay a bit late and help them out. They’re grateful, and you both leave feeling better about the situation. Next thing you know, they’re covering for you when you need a favor. This is a small, everyday way to practice those three steps: truth, patience, and generosity.

In essence, this quote is a roadmap to becoming the best version of yourself. By speaking the truth, keeping your cool, and being generous, you’re not only making your own life better but also contributing positively to the lives around you. It’s simple advice, but like most good advice, it’s easier said than done. Still, it’s worth striving for. Imagine a world where everyone tried to live by these principles—sounds pretty close to heaven, doesn’t it?