As I mentioned yesterday, cynicism is nothing more than the absence of radiance in individual expression. By radiance I do not mean the false and groundless optimism that some people manufacture by mental gymnastics or through intention and therefore “have.” The radiance of which I speak is the outward evidence of the presence of the …
Category: Observations on Life
Your Central Purpose
A friend visiting from Colorado asked an important question over lunch a couple of days ago, the answer to which finally surfaced during a quiet moment earlier today. While I didn’t ask, I imagine the question was asked as he is at an age (mid 20s) where I recall noticing the same thing in the …
The Attitude of Cynicism
It is commonly assumed that the attitude of cynicism is something that is caught, like a cold or flu, at a certain point in life. Some contract it earlier than others, but the majority of cases seem to develop in what is known as mid-life. Secondary symptoms often accompany the heart-hardening attitude called cynicism. Men …
A Healthy World
While I am incredibly grateful for the education I received at the Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College, I must admit that there was one area of function that I was not adequately prepared for as I moved on from school to the "real world" of owning and managing small businesses. I was …
A Worthy Purpose
"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." ~ Helen Keller To be faithful to a worthy purpose you must first become aware of it. But how? Many make the mistake of taking an outside-in approach. They are driven …
Catalyst for Change
"If you want to make enemies, try to change something." ~ Woodrow Wilson Funny enough, the first enemy you will likely encounter when changing something, anything, is yourself. Inertia is a powerful force in human nature and the legions of the status quo will quickly train their weapons on you should you threaten their possessions …
A Greater Person
"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by …
Organic Refinement
“If you will think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself. Character is a by-product, and any man who devotes himself to its cultivation in his own case will become a selfish pig.” ~ Woodrow Wilson I cannot think of a section in the bookstore that …
Fresh Activity
"The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them." ~ Woodrow Wilson One of my greatest delights is watching my children face and overcome obstacles. It is an essential part of the learning process and for that …
The Truth First
"For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first." ~ Aristotle Your integrity is based entirely on the degree to which you maintain an orientation in truth. If you are concerned about your integrity, the truth must come before friends, family, country or any other human …
Gregory Hake 