You have likely heard it said that man is fundamentally flawed or evil, born stained by original sin and in need of redemption as it is often put in the Abrahamic religions, or under the necessity of learning lessons to achieve enlightenment in the Eastern religions. But I say unto you that man is at …
Tag: gregg hake
Veneer of Personality
People generally reveal themselves over time. That said, the time it takes to get to know someone can be greatly shortened given the right mix of circumstances. Emergency situations, times of high pressure and even particularly intense games or sports can demand enough conscious energy and focus to let you see what is under the …
The Gold Terrace
Hard is the Way of the World II by Li Bai The way is broad like the blue sky, But no way out before my eye. I am ashamed to follow those who have no guts, Gambling on fighting cocks and dogs for pears and nuts. Feng would go homeward way, having no fish to eat; …
The Tough Choices
When it comes to life lessons, the hardest are often the most valuable. I had two conversations yesterday that reminded me of one such lesson I learned years ago and I am pleased to share it with you today. The principle around which this lesson centers is simple and well-known, but not often heeded: cut …
A Flaming Heart
"Every great achievement is the victory of a flaming heart." - Ralph Waldo Emerson If you take a moment to review the greatest victories in your life, you'll likely notice that they were in large part the product of a focused mind, but more importantly, a flaming heart. The world turns on passion. That said, …
The Wheel of Change
"Nothing in the world is permanent, and we're foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we're still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy." - …
A New Standard
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you."- Ralph Waldo Emerson The moment you become mesmerized by your circumstances is the moment you become powerless in relation to them. Every person on earth is possessed of a vast internal resource, an inexhaustible source …
Mind over Matter
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." - Mark Twain Can you imagine a world free of relatives? I certainly can. A carefree world in which people do not judge or criticize themselves based on relativistic notions that have little to nothing to do with their true, …
Friendship on Purpose
"A friend to all is a friend to none." - Aristotle You no doubt have friends of many stripes, a few qualifying as "close," a larger group more appropriately described as being "acquaintances" and the majority probably being somewhere in between. It can be a useful exercise on occasion to review the list of those …
Split Loyalties
When you associate with the truth in all areas of your living, there is no need to dissemble for the truth of who you are is sufficient unto the day. It pains me to watch my fellows crawl through life on their hands and knees in the desperate and hopeless attempt to create an appearance …
Gregory Hake 