Paradoxical Commandments Poem Meaning

The poem Paradoxical Commandments is a very interesting and an inspiring poem. The poem is just ten simple statements but ten important aspects in our lives. It talks about how must we think and do what's good, right and true, despite being rejected, discouraged and not being appreciated for of it.

One of the ideas that I have found extremely inspiring in the poem, was the important message from the author; to never be discouraged to do something that's right, good and true, in fear of rejection or negative feedbacks. This is very strongly suggested through the line "The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds." Through this quote the poet is telling the audience,
This message can be strongly seen in very line of the poem, but mainly through the line "If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway." It basically tells me that although you do good, people may say that you are doing it for your own benefit and you may not be recognized or appreciated what you have done, so only do good because it the nice thing to do, not for recognition. Personally, I love helping people, and when I help some with something it is the happiness in their eyes and the worriless expressions that make me happy and give a sense of achievement. Their happiness in that split second makes me feel like whatever difficulties I had to go through, to help that person are worth it and it gives me satisfaction that I was able to help someone and I really don't care what happens afterwards. I believe that a person helping others for glory and for appreciation, is a low, self obsessed and self-centered person, as I can't imagine how anyone could be so selfishly as to use someone else's pain and sorrow to gain something. Helping some itself is great reward as it would give you satisfaction and happiness. It can also be seen when the poet tells the audience, whatever good you will be forgotten, to again emphasize the point, to just do good because its nice to do something good, as you won't get any long term glory or appreciation with it; what you do will be forgotten soon. The idea is very clearly shown through the line "The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway". I believe that if you wanted to gain glory you must do it with your own hard work not by feeding of someone's sorrow, I find it highly disturbing and disgusting that people even consider such a thing. Overall, I support and liked the message given through the