Heaven upon earth

“Certainly it is heaven upon earth, to have a man’s mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.” ~ Francis Bacon Whether or not a fiery hell awaits those who fail to meet the criteria of the various religions on earth in the afterlife I cannot be sure, but …

Continue reading Heaven upon earth

Meeting with Failure

“Failure does not necessarily imply a mistake. If we have held our standard high, bravely fought a good fight for the right, held our part courageously against heavy opposition and have finally seen the citadel of our great hope taken by superior force, by overwhelming conditions, or sapped and undermined by jealousy, envy or treachery …

Continue reading Meeting with Failure

Manhood

My eldest son, Christopher, turned 15 a few days ago. What a critical, transitional time in life! The passage of his birthday left me with these thoughts on becoming a man: Manhood is not simply a matter of reaching a certain biological age, rather, it is attained when the naturally self-centered state of youth yields …

Continue reading Manhood

Borrowed Greatness

In a world governed by men who are naked and ashamed, success is measured by material prosperity, physical prowess, and the size of one’s tribe. Rather than valuing that which distinguishes him in the natural world – his ability to perfect reason and embody virtue – his highest aim is to accumulate the trappings of …

Continue reading Borrowed Greatness

Infinitely Precious Things

"Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you." - Oscar Wilde You are not defined by what you have (e.g. your possessions, talents, position and appearance), rather, you are what you express day by day, moment by moment. As such, the quality …

Continue reading Infinitely Precious Things

An Exceptional Person

With expenditures projected at $5,800,000,000 the 2012 presidential and congressional elections will be the most expensive on record, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. Campaign strategists estimate that 80% of the money spent is wasted, but the 20% which does hit its mark somehow does so through a public which has historically proven …

Continue reading An Exceptional Person

Relax into the Pressure

The exercise of judgment destroys your capacity of discernment. In no instance is this more self-evident than in the matter of handling pressure. The ability to relax into pressure rather than judge it and consequently react negatively or withdraw from it is one of the greatest keys to unlocking your full potential in living. Increases …

Continue reading Relax into the Pressure

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 …

Continue reading The Tough Choices

When in Rome

“Justice, the eternal principle of the true relation of man to man, cannot be bought. Money may buy judges, but never—justice. When they tell us that some great corporation, with millions in its control, has bought justice, in verdicts wrongly delivered in its favour, they are incorrect in their statement. Money has bought not justice, …

Continue reading When in Rome

Intrinsic Value III

"Reputation is what the world thinks a man is; character is what he really is. Anyone can play shuttlecock with a man’s reputation; his character is his alone. No one can injure his character but he himself. Character is the sword; reputation is the scabbard. Many men acquire insomnia in standing guard over their reputation, …

Continue reading Intrinsic Value III