Everyone becomes aware at some point in life that existence is truly ephemeral. It is, of course, one thing to say it and quite another to feel it in the “marrow of your bones,” to be somewhat theatrical. A secondary epiphany is that life is not at all as it seems: our vision is opaque.

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,

Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul. … (1)

That phrase being aptly stated frees us from being deluded by the false hopes and quixotic dreams of others. We are liberated and can utilize our own critical thinking skills to decide what is the best course of action for my specific life. I truly think that very few of us choose a direct path. Most would appear to steer as opposed to direct.

Winston Churchill, who many believe saved Western civilization from tyranny and oppression, or at least temporarily postponed it, (2) had this to say when he was appointed Prime Minister in May, 1940: Thus, then, on the night of the 10^th of May, at the outset of this mighty battle, I acquired the chief power in the State. … During these last crowded days of the political crisis, my pulse had not quickened at any moment. I took it all as it came. But I cannot conceal from the reader of this truthful account that as I went to bed at about 3 a.m., I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial. Ten years in the political wilderness had freed me from ordinary party antagonisms. My warnings over the last six years had been so numerous, so detailed, and were now so terribly vindicated, that no one could gainsay (doubt) me. I could not be reproached either for making the war or with want (lack) of preparation for it. I thought I knew a good deal about it all, and I was sure I should not fail. Therefore, although impatient for the morning, I slept soundly and had no need for cheering dreams. Facts are better than dreams. (3)

It is thus true that even the iconic figures of history are filled with self-doubt and apprehension. The secret to a successful life, I maintain, is to simply put your leaf in the river. Once the journey begins, you can manage its consequences. Here these aforementioned critical thinking skills will serve you well. Our mission, if I can call it that, is to simply ask people to think. I believe if we raise our societal level of thoughtfulness that the world will become a better place. This is not wishful thinking but a common theme amongst the legions of educators that see a general decline in thinking. (4) One only has to turn to recent political, economic, and immigration decisions to realize that we are not reasoning rationally in many cases. The writer and pundit Malcolm Gladwell (b. 1963) leaves with a cautionary quote: There is this tremendous body of knowledge in the world of academia where extraordinary numbers of incredibly thoughtful people have taken the time to examine on a really profound level the way we live our lives and who we are and where we’ve been. That brilliant learning sometimes gets trapped in academia and never sees the light of day.

A closing thought: As human beings, we have come “full circle.” Our most primitive instincts: those of procreation, food and consumption have come, once again, to dominate civilization. The results, inevitably, will be the same: societal chaos, spiritual decline, and economic collapse. The only way we will change this trajectory is through “good people” evaluating and judging. Our role as parents, guides and educators has never been so essential.

To sum up: This week we spoke about life and all its consequences. History tells us that often even great individuals lack a sense of direction until they realize that they have been chosen for a specific task.