"If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad."
Although many Puritans might scoff at me claiming that semi-hedonistic phrase as words for the ages, I suspect my Puritan following is meager. Anyway, those ten words from one of Sheryl Crow's most well-known songs strike me as a snug fit with the criteria I established when initiating this series back in 2017 - a complete thought that is terse, easy to recall, and contains a universal truth. Or in this case at least, something that feels like a truth to this heathen who is neither a criminal nor pathological.
I trust regular readers will intuit that I am not sanctioning everything that makes anyone happy. But in case an irregular reader or someone new to my blog stumbles across this post, I'll clarify: Things that do clear and lasting damage to others - especially children - are 100% unacceptable regardless of how happy they make anyone.
On the other hand, Crow's words strike me a worthwhile credo that can help assuage some of the self-induced guilt many of us routinely experience. We can all use these words for the ages as an adjunct to assist us in remembering that pleasure and joy are healthy pursuits, not "sins". Mea culpa to any Puritan who stumbles onto the bell curve today.
And you? A different terse phrase from Sheryl Crow's estimable oeuvre to nominate as words for the ages?
Hello, Pat. I like this line from Ms. Crow. Have from the beginning. And the sentiment has a similar meaning to me, as well. I try to live by the credo (and I hate that word for some reason) that as long as you're mot hurting anyone, do what you want and live however you want to live. And I definitely echo your statement ... Things that do clear and lasting damage to others - especially children - are 100% unacceptable regardless of how happy they make anyone.' I trust you won't mind me copying and pasting it.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for me ... 'All I Wanna Do Is Have Some Fun ...'
Be well,
Bob
Bob (or should I say Anonymous Bob?); I love the additional Sheryl Crow line you cited above. And as for me "minding" if you cut and paste my words into your comment, surely you jest. An egotist like me, having their own words quoted back to them? Catnip.
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