Something to Think About

"This we have learned: with Heaven rest all things.
Heaven appoints each human to a place.
If doomed to roll in dust, we'll roll in dust;
We'll sit on high when destined for high seats.
Does Heaven ever favor anyone,
bestowing both rare talent and good luck?
In talent take no overwhelming pride,
for talent and disaster form a pair.
Our karma we must carry as our lot -
let's stop decrying Heaven's whims and quirks.
Inside ourselves there lies the roof of good:
the heart outweighs all talents on this Earth."

- Last stanza of "The Tale of Kieu"