Consider your own self!

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This is fourth in a series of nine.  The first is here.

“Fourth, consider that thou also doest many things wrong, and that thou art a man like others; and even if thou dost abstain from certain faults, still thou hast the disposition to commit them, though either through cowardice, or concern about reputation, or some such mean motive, thou dost abstain from such faults.”  Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book 11

Why am I good?  Why do I tell the truth, refrain from stealing, act polite with those I can’t stand.  Why am I faithful to my wife?  Is it primarily because I fear the consequences?  Continue reading

A Personal Creed: Do You Have One?

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I am a man of action, leading with passionate equanimity, rational self-interest, and never forgetting the power of individual liberty.  I will never forget that my wife is my queen, and I her king, and that my children are my gift to humanity.  I will respect the dignity of all, but measure the character of each.  I will honor my body and mind by taking care of them. I will light a candle in darkness.

The passage above is my creed.  This is not some fancy introduction to something I read, it really is mine.  I developed it over a period of years.  Continue reading

The Tension of an Internal Struggle

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I will soon return to my discussion on the Three Yes’s on My Deathbed.  For now, though I simply share an internal struggle that I am currently waging.

I am currently faced with several deadlines of some projects that I must complete.  Each of these projects requires a solitary, inward toil and deep personal, undistracted thought.  In short, I must focus on the work alone Continue reading

Three “Yes’s” on My Deathbed

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From Monty Python and the Holy Grail:

  • Bridgekeeper: “Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.”
  •  Sir Lancelot: “Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I am not afraid.”

What is my general outlook on life?  Well, at least what should it be?  In the end, and I really mean in the end, Continue reading