修身齐家治国平天下

    When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,

 I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I

 discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights

 somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too,

 seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight(暮年) years, in one

 last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family,

 those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And

 now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: 

If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have

 changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I

 would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I

 may have even changed the world.