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Words of wisdom

June Donohue - Columnist
Posted 1/14/21

The following are some philosophic thoughts that never go out of style.

The first one is an ancient one which goes all the way back to 106-43 BC, and written by Cicero, “Gratitude is not only …

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Words of wisdom

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The following are some philosophic thoughts that never go out of style.

The first one is an ancient one which goes all the way back to 106-43 BC, and written by Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all others.” Maybe we should be careful of that one because Cicero was beheaded by his enemies on Dec. 5, 43.

Another is by Soren Kierkignard 1813 to 1855: “There are two ways to be fooled - One is to believe what isn't true and the other to refuse to believe what is true.”

Herman Melville 1819 to 1890 wrote: “And the drawing near of death, which levels all alike, impresses all with a last revelation which only an author from the dead could adequately tell.”

Albert Einstein 1879-1955: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle and the other is to live as if everything is.” “I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be.” “The true value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained liberation from the self.”

Sir John Eccles 1903-1997: “We have to recognize that we are spiritual beings with souls existing in a spiritual world as well as material beings with bodies and brains existing in a material world.”

Isaac Singer 1902-1991: “We must believe in free will. We have no choice.”

And something for the New Year that Dear Abby Landers publishes every January taken from Al-Anon principles.

Just for today I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow.

I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.

I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will decide to be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.

If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine. Just for today I will accept what is.

I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those that I cannot. I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

I will not be a mental loafer. I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable and kind and courteous to those who cross my path.

I will not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. I will not try to improve anyone but myself.

I will do something positive to improve my health. If I am a smoker, I will quit. I will take a walk even if it's only around the block.

I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

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