Can You Change the World?

I thought I never wanted to change the world, until my eyes, my heart and my mind were opened to what the world is really like. But then I looked at my own condition and felt defeated. Can I really change the world, when I cannot see beyond my own condition? Here is a poem by an unknown monk – this is largely speculation – that may cause you to think differently about how and even if that is possible…

I Wanted To Change The World
Unknown Monk 1100 A.D.

When I was a young man, 
I wanted to change the world.

I found it was difficult to change the world, 
so I tried to change my nation.

When I found I couldn't change the nation,
 I began to focus on my town.
 I couldn't change the town and as an older man, 
I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, 
I realize the only thing I can change is myself,
 and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself,
 I could have made an impact on my family. 
My family and I could have made an impact on our town. 
Their impact could have changed the nation
 and I could indeed have changed the world.