Truth and Reason

"I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way." ~ Thomas Jefferson Every man, woman and child is called to make acquaintance with truth while navigating the river of life. Some scarcely have the opportunity …

Continue reading Truth and Reason

Masterful Living

"The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators." ~ Edward Gibbon Wise is the man who uses every type of circumstance to greatest possible advantage. When others complain, he handles the discomfort quietly while looking for the openings. When others curse he gives thanks, no matter how grim the outlook. …

Continue reading Masterful Living

Authority and Critical Analysis

"The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis." ~ Dalai Lama We considered in a previous post that you are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul. Humanity, in this sense, is a collection of agents who navigate their lives within a framework of culture, custom …

Continue reading Authority and Critical Analysis

The Quicksand of Reason

"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us." ~ Jane Austen You can tell a lot about a person by participating in a sporting …

Continue reading The Quicksand of Reason

Pluck a Thistle and Plant a Flower

"Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow." ~ Abraham Lincoln One of the characteristics I admire most in people is the ability to pluck a thistle and plant a flower. The …

Continue reading Pluck a Thistle and Plant a Flower

The Benefit of the Doubt

So often in life we are forced to verify things heard, seen or received second or third-hand. Imagine this scenario. You heard a rumor, a story or a passing remark about something or someone you are responsible for and you find it necessary to investigate a little further. You learned from previously bungled experiences that …

Continue reading The Benefit of the Doubt