Teddy Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” The Week, 3/3/23, p.17. Comparison is the act of seeing or acknowledging two or more people, objects, or situations and noting how the attributes of each are similar and how they differ. For example, the weather was much warmer yesterday than it is today. That type of…
According to Wikipedia, “Authenticity is the quality of being genuine or real. You might question the authenticity of your eccentric uncle’s photo of a UFO. The word authenticity is the state of something being authentic, or legitimate and true.” We all like to think we are coming across as authentic, but that very thought betrays the…
A young boy was standing outside a veterinary clinic. When a woman saw him, she asked if he was waiting to see the doctor. The boy politely replied, “Yes, I’m having my dog put in neutral.” Apparently, this is a common procedure for humans as well. Reader’s Digest, December 2006, p.61. Apathy is a state…
The word “grace” can be interpreted in various ways. For example, it can be used to describe movements as in the grace of a ballerina’s performance or a swan’s elegant glide across a lake. It can also describe an attitude as in a person responding kindly toward another person or a company extending a deadline…
The word glory is not often used in casual conversation, but when it is, it carries the connotation of, something that is above and beyond the ordinary, something superior, outstanding, noble, illustrious, acclaimed or distinguished. It is often used to describe notable achievements that are heroic or particularly honorable. For example, “…to fight and die…
Empowerment can either be given or is taken and both can be in operation at the same time. Power that is given is most often bestowed upon a certain person or group by a higher power. For example, in a democracy the people have the power to vote to allow a certain person or group…
The story of Nicodemus in the Bible, is one that illustrates the fact that there are different kinds of strength and weakness and sometimes, when we think we are strong, we are actually most vulnerable because we might be relying on the wrong kind of strength. Nicodemus was a devoutly religious man. He was well…
British publisher Ernest Benn (1875-1954) said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.” His assessment still seems quite accurate all these years later. The Week, 5/24/24, p.17. Almost all politicians are prone to make promises, saying that if you elect me,…
Entertainment can be the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment as in sitting in front of the TV to be entertained. It can also be an event, performance, or activity designed to entertain others such as a theatrical performance. Sometimes it is the action of receiving a guest or guests and providing…
In 1952, John Steinbeck released one of his classic novels, East of Eden. In 1955, East of Eden hit the big screen starring James Dean as the lead as Cal Trask. The central theme of the book and movie is the personal struggle between good and evil–not just in the world but in the human…