YEARS ago as a teenager, I remember seeng Gregory Peck in Mc Kennas Gold and telling myself that wow, I would love to be that man. He was one of the handsomest men I had ever seen on or off screen. But the most beautiful part of Peck was his life was as lovely and wonderful as his image on screen. There was no difference between the inner and outer man. There shown through him an unending feeling of goodness.
How? I wondered did people like Gregory Peck learn to be such good human beings and as I pondered over this, I learnt about an inscription in an old church monument in Baltimore, dating way back to the year 1629. ‘Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.’
‘Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter, for there will always be greater and lesser people than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interest in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.’
‘Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery, but let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many people strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.’ ‘Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of aridity and disenchantment, it is perennial as the grass.’
‘Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.’ ‘You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars you have right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you the universe is unfolding as it should be.’ ‘Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life , keep peace with your soul.’
‘With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ‘Gregory Peck I am sure had his share of sham and broken dreams, but he strove to be happy and that happiness came through in his spectacularly good looks. Plastic surgery is what most people go in for, but real good looks come from deep within..!
