Howard J. Witsend, philosopher
(In degree and practice)
Fathoms and ponders his own worth
Formulating a reason to explain
Life’s twists and turns
Life’s gives and takes
Life’s pains and grins.
Howard suffers from “Intellectual
Frost,” having good abilities
Both mental and intentional,
Yet lacking the drive
To make good his world.
“Good,” in this meaning, relates
To Aristotle, to merit worthiness
Based upon the “mean.”
This “mean,” between vices,
Must be kept stable.
Limiting excess
Squelching deficiency
Controlling recklessness
Courageously cowardice
Howard approaches “goodness.”
Aristotle would say Howard
Would not ultimately be “good”
For Howard’s defining qualities
His ultimate desire
His ultimate quest
Is to make others better,
During his company,
Because of his company,
And after he has gone.
This selfish selflessness confuses
Aristotle’s “good” man, and therefore
Howard would be good to the now
Or would he?
Whilst some applaud
Others would laugh:
“What can one man do?”
Aristotle might be happy to
Admit that Howard approaches
His own personal goals yet
Howard’s Aristotelian worth is low.
Aristotle’s “good” man’s unrelenting
Pursuit of selfish means of profit
Shows fading acceptance
In the modern culture.
Howard, modern day philosopher,
Describes his “good” man as this:
A man, no matter at what situation,
Lives according to the betterment
Of man and his mental, physical, and
Emotional safety. A “good” man’s
Worthiness also depends on
Self-preservation, for this warrants
Continuous support to man as a whole.
A healthy mind and body keep
A “good” man sound, thus passing
On goodness exponentially is attainable.
Selfish goals and spoils may
Balance the over-support of other men.
This is where Howard and Aristotle
Find common ground. Balance
Between reaping and sharing
Is the ultimate “mean.”
A “good” man is one who,
While keeping safe and sound,
Manages his own life
While making others’ better.
Howard’s biggest enemy
Will always be Howard
Fearing failure
Too afraid to be great
Too “good” to be someone.

05/18/2005

Posted on 05/18/2005
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