By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Revenge
Each time that someone inflicts physical or
emotional pain upon us there is usually a natural reaction to attack back.
While this can give some much needed satisfaction, it is not an open and shut
case.
There are different kinds of hurt - harsh or mild,
intentional or accidental, apparently justified or not. Sometimes the
perpetrator is emotionally ill or extremely stressed and unaware of the
seriousness of the incident, perhaps feeling very much worse than you do.
Imagine that the positions are switched for a different perspective on the
situation.
"It's hard to have one's watch stolen, but one
reflects that the thief of the watch became a thief from causes of heredity and
environment which are as interesting as they are scientifically comprehensible;
and one buys another watch, if not with joy, at any rate with a philosophy that
makes bitterness impossible." - Arnold Bennett (1867-1931)
It is worth considering the aftermath of revenge.
How do you feel now, better or worse? How does the other person feel? Was your
reaction too strong or harmful? Perhaps you feel bad and regret it altogether?
Could a little discussion have avoided the incident?
"To be wronged or robbed is nothing unless you
continue to remember it." - Confucius (BC)
It may seem very stupid to turn the other cheek when
we have been hurt, and often it is. However, we should review the situation and
consider the facts and effects. Who is being harmed by our anger and
retaliation? If we cause ourselves more grief when we try to get even, isn't
this another reason to at least review our actions?
"He who seeks revenge should remember to dig two graves." -
Chinese proverb
Monday, June 18, 2012
When Art meets the 20th century
I was delighted to stumble onto the work of Koreanartist Kim Yong Soo whose artwork, at first glance, takes on thesomewhat familiar appearance of traditional Japanese paintings of cherry treebossoms. Closer inspection reveals a textured assemblage of semi-conductors,speaker wires, and acrylic cement, used to form the delicate tree branches,flowers, and ominous humanoid figures that bring an unexpectedly dark presenceto these otherwise serene paintings.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Breathe No More
I've been looking in the mirror for so long.
That I've come to believe my soul's on the other side.
All the little pieces falling, shatter.
Shards of me,
Too sharp to put back together.
Too small to matter,
But big enough to cut me into so many little pieces.
If I try to touch her,
And I bleed,
I bleed,
And I breathe,
I breathe no more.
Take a breath and I try to draw from my spirits well.
Yet again you refuse to drink like a stubborn child.
Lie to me,
Convince me that I've been sick forever.
And all of this,
Will make sense when I get better.
But I know the difference,
Between myself and my reflection.
I just can't help but to wonder,
So I bleed,
I bleed,
And I breathe,
I breathe,
I breathe,
I breathe no more.
That I've come to believe my soul's on the other side.
All the little pieces falling, shatter.
Shards of me,
Too sharp to put back together.
Too small to matter,
But big enough to cut me into so many little pieces.
If I try to touch her,
And I bleed,
I bleed,
And I breathe,
I breathe no more.
Take a breath and I try to draw from my spirits well.
Yet again you refuse to drink like a stubborn child.
Lie to me,
Convince me that I've been sick forever.
And all of this,
Will make sense when I get better.
But I know the difference,
Between myself and my reflection.
I just can't help but to wonder,
So I bleed,
I bleed,
And I breathe,
I breathe,
I breathe,
I breathe no more.
The Story Behind S.O.S
The invention of wireless telegraphy was a huge benefit to ships, which were now able to call for help when they were in distress. The code S.O.S. was first used by the Germans in 1905 and was eventually adopted by all nations for both commercial and military vessels. The code isn’t an acronym for “save our souls,” “send out supplies,” or another message; it actually doesn’t stand for anything. The letters were chosen because their Morse code transcription—dot-dot-dot-dash-dash-dash-dot-dot-dot—is unmistakable.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Faith
Faith is defined as having complete confidence,
trust and belief. For a strong and rewarding journey through life we should
have a generous amount of faith. Faith in ourselves, our families and friends, and above all God.
"Have faith, hope, and charity. That's the way
to live successfully." - 1950's song.
Believe in yourself, a unique individual having
personal preferences and talents. Have a deep belief that your days will be
completed as you wish and imagine they will. This has a very strong and
positive influence on your actions. It is just the opposite of feeling anxious
and worried that you will fail. This is not a guarantee, but an excellent
advantage working in your favor, available for every occasion and for life itself.
"It's faith in something and enthusiasm for
something that makes life worth living." - Oliver Wendell Holmes
(1809-1894)
Believe in your fellow human beings. They are
special people with special problems, different lives and backgrounds, different
beliefs. Live by the golden rule, expressed in many different ways in other
cultures and religions. That is basically - treat others the way you would like
to be treated. A time proven way to feel better about our lives and the
road ahead.
Religion has long been recognized as a comforting haven in a stormy
environment. It can provide comfort for the harshness and hardships encountered
in our modern hectic lives. Faith is of special importance to us when we are
down. It picks us up and gives us confidence.
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