Why do we often not strive for excellence in our modern society? The answer is complex — societal ennui, probably. But, at its most simplistic, to attain a superior state in virtually anything requires an education and, ultimately, practice. This is Aristotle’s prescription for excellence (1) You must do an activity again and again and again — over a lengthy period, even for years — to achieve any level of proficiency. It is impossible to accomplish a task in the short term — this includes a relationship with yourself.
Continue reading Always excellence: why not?Podcast Episode 35: Always excellence: why not? I try to encourage people to strive for excellence in their life.
Podcast Episode 34: Walking can give us a sense of peace and spiritual growth.
My lesson in humility
Compassion: Am I kind and thoughtful enough? This question has stuck with me throughout my happy and lucky life. The question was initiated by an experience I had as a young man. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to go to school for a period of time in Krakow, Poland. It was at the height of the Cold War (1) and the Eastern European environment was extraordinary and distant for a sheltered Canadian boy. At the border between East and West, there were soldiers armed with Kalashnikov machine guns, barking police dogs, and reams of barbed wire: nobody smiled. You felt like you were entering a place only envisioned in a John le Carré spy novel (2).
Continue reading My lesson in humilityPodcast Episode 33: Family is important in personal and societal development.
Podcast Episode 32: What are your biases and what are mine? Can we overcome them?
How can we truly go green?
We are now totally indoctrinated with a concern for the environment: “Go green, recycle, and feel better about protecting our world.” Tragically, though necessary, the small bit that we do as individuals is overwhelmed by the evil that our consumptive governments perpetuate. And, in a way, they have little choice. They are rapacious in their desire to stay in power at any cost. Remember that most representatives “of the people” are elected for four or five years. Therefore, the electorate only wants to hear about economic growth: make me more money and I will keep you in office.
Continue reading How can we truly go green?Episode 31: How do I control my stress if I want to lead a long and fulfilling life?
Podcast Episode 30: Why do we travel? We travel for an uncontrolled adventure.
Never give up until you find your goals, find your mission
The concept of a life goal is an essential element to a healthy and long-lived existence. Many years ago when I lived in rural Canada, I overheard a man admonishing his young charge about the boy’s future. The father was telling his offspring to forget leaving his village and going to university. What would be the benefit? Here, he could get a union job, (1) make a good living; find a nice girl to marry and raise a family. What else was life about?
Continue reading Never give up until you find your goals, find your mission