We live in a world that is so big that people can get lost in it. My wife was reading a story to me about an American pilot shot down over France during the second world war. Neither the U.S. Government nor his family knew what had become of him until long after that war…
Tag: People
On All Labor is Honorable
Young children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up? Their answers are usually some vocation that they are acquainted with such as a fireman, a policeman or they may say they want to be what their father or mother does. I believe that most people end up doing what they…
On Symbolism
Symbolism is so common a practice in our world that most of us have and use symbols without even being aware of them. I watch a TV show called the ‘American Pickers’ every once in a while, where two people travel around the country looking for people they call collectors. These collectors have collected stuff…
On Reflections
During the Second World War, German paratroopers invaded the island of Crete. When they landed at Maleme, the islanders met them, bearing nothing other than kitchen knives and hay scythes. The consequences of resistance were devastating. The residents of entire villages were lined up and shot. Overlooking the airstrip today is an institute for peace…
On What I Believe I Have Learned About Life
Over the years I have heard statements by various people expressing what they thought they had learned either from an experience in their life or from life itself. I, too, have learned a few things over my eighty five years on earth. The expectation is that as a person ages their experiences in life should…
On And I Say to Myself
Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian. He was considered one of the most influential artists in jazz history. He is known for songs like “Star Dust,” “La Vie En Rose” and “What a Wonderful World.” That was the one that I loved, “What a Wonderful World.” …
On The Social Magnets in Life That Pull on Us
My younger brother, Martin, was a poet and a philosopher of sorts. While he was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard we often exchanged thoughts via letters. His letters included poems and philosophies that were critical of the norm. He sometimes described things that he thought were wrong with families, society and life. In one…
On Leadership
I remember, even today, reading about a Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville, who toured early America and wrote both critically and complimentary about his experiences. About political leadership he stated: Democratically elected people’s assemblies historically have been known for their mediocrity, and the U.S. has been no different. In 1835 he observed, “I was surprised to…
On The Poetry of Phillis Wheatley
The story below is of a young lady, praised for her brilliance, but who suffered and died in the midst of the uncaring. She, a teen prodigy, rose from American slavery. The teenage prodigy poet, Phillis Wheatley’s story is one of hope, faith, and perseverance, despite living as a slave in 18th-century America. Glenn T….
On A Gratitude Jar
“People may forget what you said, or what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Being grateful and expressing that gratitude are two different things, with what could be two different and significant outcomes. To make kindnesses a big thing, at least a bigger thing than most people do, can…