My Philosophical Bent

For the things which we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing: men become builders by building houses, and harpists by playing the harp. Similarly, we become just by the practice of just actions, self-controlled by exercising self-control, and courageous by performing acts of courage . . . [W]e must see to it that our activities are of a certain kind . . . Hence it is no small matter whether one habit or another is inculcated in us from early childhood; on the contrary, it makes a considerable difference, or rather, all the difference." From Aristotle's Ethics. The ironic thing is everyone knows this, maybe not in these words but in our own words. Yet, we continue to ignore this simple truth. Today, we no longer require of our children the respect, the set the high expectations, and we negotiate what should not be non-negotiables. All because we do not want to let them down, or hurt their feelings. We give stuff rather than teach ethical living, integrity and civility, and give our self. Why? Because it is easier, than doing the work it takes, and putting out effort to correct and educate intentionally. Now, we wonder why we, see so many people who feel entitled, and why they cannot cope. Well, we have not allowed our expectations to match our actions, therefore the goals and outcome are not what we want to achieve. But Shakespeare in"As You Like It": put it this way, and we would do well to pay attention to it …..All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts . . Until we understand when it is time for us to play that part, play it, and stay in our lane, we will always find ourselves wondering – how do I move from here and achieve my goal?...The answers lies in our choices…In our decisions…Our inability to control ‘do what you feel’ mentality…Man’s distinction is we are capable of reflecting on our past and the motives behind them, approving and disapproving what we are done. Usually this comes when we are facing death, or a brush with death, personally or loved one, all too late for most, and with far too many carcasses (mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually). We destroy others because we have not learned to put in practice the truths we know and to control the urges we carry as crutches – the selfish gene that dominates us. John 3:19-21 - This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through (NIV). We got to get this or the darkness shall consume us, and we shall have nothing but our own self to blame…