“Extreme independence is as destructive to a relationship as total dependence” (James C. Dobson). INTERDEPENDENCE IS A HIGHER VALUE THAN INDEPENDENCE. If we can’t see that, perhaps we’ve been confused more than we realize by the various misconceptions of independence that are so much in vogue today. Yet misguided independence can hinder us every bit [...]
“Nothing is more desirable than to be released from an affliction, but nothing is more frightening than to be divested of a crutch” (James Baldwin). INDEPENDENCE, PROPERLY DEFINED, IS A STATE WORTH STRIVING FOR, BUT FRANKLY, IT REQUIRES MORE COURAGE AND INTEGRITY THAN WE MIGHT NOW POSSESS. Desiring “to be released from an affliction” is [...]
“A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees” (William Blake). THERE ARE FEW OF US WHO WOULDN’T BE HELPED BY AN IMPROVEMENT IN OUR VISION, OUR ABILITY TO “SEE.” Too often, we see (i.e., experience) things without learning anything. We see them, but their importance escapes us. We notice them, but [...]
Look round the habitable world: how few Know their own good, or knowing it, pursue. (John Dryden) TWO QUESTIONS TEST OUR CHARACTER AT ITS DEEPEST LEVEL. Marcus Aurelius was not mistaken when he said, “The true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects he pursues.” So it’s important at regular intervals [...]