I believe that we are put on this earth to improve it, and the humans inhabiting it, starting with ourselves.
I believe we all need to be taught certain truths about the human condition before we begin our journey of self discovery and improvement.
I believe that our first teachers are our parents and grandparents. They have a sacred responsibility to shape our character before we even have the vocabulary to communicate what character and virtuous living entails.
I believe we need mentors to challenge and guide us. They are the compass that helps orient us on life’s journey.
I believe philosophers are the arborists of our souls. They nurture us when needed, prune away what hinders healthy growth, and teach us when the fruit of wisdom is ready to be harvested. Then they encourage us to carry that fruit wherever it can do the most good.
I believe the greatest teacher in history is Jesus Christ. Read His words in the Gospels. Reflect on His teachings. Internalize His parables. If we truly lived what He taught, much of the confusion that exists in this world would simply fade away.
I believe there is good and evil in this world. At times the lines may seem to blur — there may appear to be a lot of gray area.
I believe we minimize the bandwidth of that gray area by understanding what virtues assist us in living a life of character.
I believe there are more vices than virtues. To pursue a life of character, we must understand both. The virtues show us what to become; the vices warn us what to avoid.
I believe that the human condition is best served when we ask good questions. We are better judged by the quality of our questions than by the certainty of our answers. Self reflection helps us grow. Adapt. Learn.
I believe in the light and the dark. The good and the evil. The gold and the sulfur. I believe each of us has been given the opportunity to leave this world a little wiser, a little kinder, and a little more harmonious than we found it.
Stay Golden
TVW