The ancient Greeks and Romans had solutions for many of the problems that plague our country today. They recognized that human nature is a double-edged sword and that steps can be taken to mitigate the expression of its lesser qualities while magnifying its finer ones. They understood as well that liberty is not a given, …
Tag: education
Making it Manageable
“If our education had included training to bear unpleasantness and to let the first shock pass until we could think more calmly, many an unbearable situation would become manageable, and many a nervous illness avoided.” ~ Claire Weekes In a world where most people are not consistently giving their highest and finest you are bound …
Known to Unknown
I had two conversations yesterday that carried a common thread. While I was the common denominator in both, the principle outlined came from my riding coach and a new business associate, not from me. I couldn’t help but notice the coincidence and I am compelled to share it with you this morning. When you understand …
Lost in a Busy World
There is a game called by many different names that is played around the world. Where I grew up we called it "Operator." The game is simple, but revealing. One person whispers a message to another and the message is passed through the entire group until it reaches the last player, who then announces the …
Where I grew up we didn’t…
You've no doubt heard conversations in which people define themselves, defend their positions and deride others with the statement "Where I grew up we didn't..." What follows is usually some anecdote that serves to make a point which carries the weight of precedent and by extension, history. While it is certainly true that you are …
Improvement and Innovation
I came across an interesting article about Finland's educational system that I feel compelled to share with you today. Forty years ago Finland was facing a double crisis. It's economy and educational system were performing poorly and the leadership at the time took a bold series of steps to improve the prospects for the future. …
Facing the Mistakes of Life VIII
"It is a greater mistake to err in purpose, in aim, in principle, than in our method of attaining them. The method may readily be modified; to change the purpose may upset the whole plan of our life. It is easier in mid-ocean to vary the course of the ship than to change the cargo." …
The Crown of Individuality II
"The world needs more individuality in its men and women. It needs them with the joy of individual freedom in their minds, the fresh blood of honest purpose in their hearts, and the courage of truth in their souls. It needs more people daring to think their own highest thoughts and strong vibrant voices to …
Doing Your Best III
In continuation of our consideration yesterday, I’d like to join William George Jordan in offering a few starting points for coming to the point where you can express unconscious grace in all that you do. To begin with, Jordan observed: “The man who is slipshod and thoughtless in his daily speech, whose vocabulary is a …
Fool’s Gold and Fool’s Mate
"The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants." ~ General Omar Bradley Education - whether formally given or self-taught - is necessary, but not sufficient to the expression of balanced wisdom. I have known highly-educated medical doctors, for instance, whose fervent devotion to …
Gregory Hake 