For the last thirty or fourty years we’ve seen the ascendance of individualism and waning of larger beliefs in religion, and in supports from the community and extended family. That means a loss of resources that can buffer you against setbacks and failures. To the extent you see a failure as something that is lasting.

The Uses Of Sorrow (In my sleep I dreamed this poem) Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift Mary Oliver (2006) Thirst

Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why such a large part of mankind gladly remain minors all their lives, long after nature has freed them from external guidance. They are the reasons why it is so easy for others to set themselves up as guardians. It is so comfortable to be a minor. If I.

‘That’s why I say Love is the most ancient of gods, the most honoured, and the most effective in enabling human beings to acquire courage and happiness, both in life and death.’ […] ‘We all know Aphrodite is inseparable from Love. If there was a single Aphrodite, there would be a single Love; but since.

Away then with all those vain pretences of making ourselves happy within ourselves, of feasting on on our own thoughts, of being satisfied with the consciousness of well-doing, and of despising all assistance and all supplies from external objects. This is the voice of Pride, not of Nature. And it were well if even this.

A man who retires from life does no harm to society: he only ceases to do good, if it is an injury, is of the lowest kind. All our obligations to do good to society seem to imply something reciprocal. I receive the benefits of society, and therefore ought to promote its interests; but when.

What does a dog owe to a dog, and a horse to a horse? Nothing, no animal depends on his life; but man having received the ray of divinity called reason, what is the result? Slavery throughout almost the whole world. Were this world what it seems that it should be, that is, if man.

It is said, to be a good patriot, one is often the enemy of the rest of humanity.To be a good patriot is to want one’s city to be enriched by commerce and powerful in arms. It is obvious that a country cannot gain unless another loses, and that it cannot vanquish without causing unhappiness..

A short video from Timothy Ferris (author of the 4 Hour Work Week, 4 Hour Body and 4 Hour Chef), where he discusses the idea that in order to improve our learning, we need to deconstruct what we are learning and not just apply the same old methods. If you haven’t read any of his.