I’m currently reading the book, “Meditations,” which contains the writings of Marcus Aurelius, translated from ancient Greek. Marcus was once the Emperor of Rome and a well-known philosopher. I truly wish I could recall who’d recommended the book to me so that I could thank them for their valuable advice. That individual specified the version…
Read more“What – Me Worry?”
Beginning in 1952, MAD Magazine was a crazy, humorous publication that ran for 67 years before folding in 2018. For much of its life, it featured a freckled-faced, gap-toothed, big-eared, and grinning, homely young man with a caption on the cover stating, “What – Me Worry?” His name was Alfred E. Neuman. The fictional character…
Read moreThe Problem With Problems
Many of us think, “If I had no problems, my life would be filled with peace and tranquility”. I suppose only monks might tolerate that sort of life, but I doubt they could do it as well. It’s human nature to need problems to solve, some struggle or another to conquer. Some rail against or…
Read moreWalking The Tightrope
One of the most thrilling acts in any circus is the tightrope. High in the air, the performer strides across the thin cable between two points. He is likely to fall if he leans too far to either side, forward or back. It’s all about balance. A balanced life can be likened to a tightrope…
Read moreYou Make Me So Mad!
I suspect most people have made a similar statement to someone they feel has given offense at some point. It’s a case of assigning the cause of our emotional reaction to another person. We may also assign the cause of joy to someone who has said or done something positive or uplifting. The same principle…
Read moreThe Grim (or Kind?) Reaper
A few weeks ago, I wrote that I consider all life precious. So, where does death fit in? Is the “reaper of death” grim or is it, instead, kind? I suppose that depends. In my view, a natural death can be a blessing. Just like any mechanical device we use until it wears out, our…
Read moreMuch To Be Thankful For
Like millions of Americans, some of my family members and I, plus neighbors, sat down to a feast together on Thanksgiving Day. Before one bite of food touched our lips, one attending prayed over the feast. We then spoke in turn around the table, stating what we each had to be thankful for. Many shared…
Read moreRandom Acts
I believe that all life is precious. This includes every living thing. Every creation, animate or inanimate, throughout time and space are interconnected and have value to each other. I don’t kill a snake that’s minding his own business, even if it is poisonous. I feel sorrow and loss when I am unable to avoid…
Read moreI Could Be Wrong
I’ve expressed my opinion in this column for over a year – my thoughts and musings about life. I’ve always attempted to form my opinions on any subject by logical reasoning and critical thinking. Furthermore, I gather as much data as possible from various sources, including direct observation. Notice I don’t use the term “fact”….
Read moreSticks And Stones
My first memory of the expression “sticks and stones” was a flawed one, regarding something Charlie Brown had said in a comic strip many years ago. I misremembered his words as: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!” That was his response to Lucy’s shouting, “Dolt! Fool! Simpleton!” When…
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