The Wisdom of Life
Dr. Ira Progoff’s poem, Wisdom of Life, is a profound statement about how the collective wisdom of life can carry us forward. It is a great example of Progoff’s insightful statements about life as shown in his Intensive Journal method of self growth and pioneering work in psychology.
by Ira Progoff, PhD
Sometimes, we come across something that is short and simple but is profound and eloquent. Dr. Progoff’s poem, The Wisdom of Life, is one such instance. I share it with you now.
For more information about Dr. Progoff’s pioneering work in self-development, please contact us at info@intensivejournal.org or 330-998-6000 or see www.intensivejournal.org . We encourage you to join our mailing list to receive program updates about our self-development workshops.
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WISDOM OF LIFE
by Ira Progoff, PhD
If I did not believe
That the wisdom of life
Is greater than my own wisdom,
I could not have survived,
But having survived,
It is more than a faith now,
A knowledge.
I know,
That, great as my wisdom is,
--Almost as great as my will and my desire--
Yet the wisdom of life is greater.
And, as I could not float upon water when I tried to,
Now I can float upon life
Without trying.
In this is my wisdom
And the wisdom of anyone
To know that I know not
How to carry the weight of my existence.
But the waters of life will carry it for me
In their wisdom.
That is the wisdom of life
From which comes all power
And the ultimate glory.
And the greatness of my wisdom lies
In letting life be wise.
Written by Dr. Progoff in 1972.