Question

Read the following poem and answer the questions.

Changing World 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 that 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 realized the only thing. I can change is myself. And suddenly I realized, 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. -Edward de Bono

Why did he try to change his nation?

Answer 1

The speaker tried to change his nation as part of an outward attempt at reform, but eventually realized that personal transformation was the key to broader societal change.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker in the poem attempted to change his nation as part of a progression in his understanding of where change can effectively begin. He initially believes that altering the wide-reaching systems of his nation could have a substantial impact, possibly driven by a sense of nationalism and the desire to contribute to the greater good.

The poem reflects on the theme of personal growth and the realization that true change begins within oneself. The speaker's efforts to change on a larger scale were unsuccessful until he recognized that changing himself was the first step towards influencing his family, which in turn could lead to broader societal and national change.

This shift in focus from external to internal represents a profound understanding of individual agency and the ripple effect one person's transformation can have on the wider world. It suggests that by nurturing our personal development, we can indirectly shape our immediate environment and potentially extend our influence further than originally anticipated.