Beyond Our Dreams
According to research by university professors Richard Ryan and Tim Kasser, there's a dark side to the "American dream" of prosperity, and the problem isn't confined to the United States. Based on data collected from subjects in 12 countries, Kasser says that in every culture he's studied, there are psychologically unhelpful and often destructive results from pursuing wealth. The problem is not having money, but "living a life where that's your focus."
The Runner
In Old Testament times, there was no instant way of getting news. No television programs could be interrupted to announce that a coup had overthrown a government somewhere. No e-mails conveyed information instantly from the Chief of Staff to his Field Marshal. There was no CNN or Associated Press.
A World At Peace
President Woodrow Wilson was a staunch idealist whose hope for world peace was deeply embedded in his thinking. Therefore, when he declared war on Germany in 1917, his decision cut to his very heart. It is said that when he returned to the White House, he put his head down on a table and sobbed.
What Is Reality?
The cartoon depicted a frustrated father changing a flat tire in the rain. His two children were peering out the car window. In response to their complaining, he said, "Don't you understand? This is life. This is what's happening. We can't switch to another channel!"
The Salt Of Gratitude
A little boy said, "Salt is what spoils potatoes when it is left out." Using the same kind of negative definition, we can say, "Gratitude is what spoils life when it is left out."
The Value Of A Child
The young girl lived halfway around the world in war-ravaged Cambodia. She had been abandoned to the streets, destined to a life of much poverty and little love.
In His Hands
How big is the cosmos? Galaxies upon galaxies stretch into space farther than we can comprehend.
Prepare To Sleep
We spend approximately 30 percent of our lives sleeping—or trying to sleep. Today there are more than 300 sleep disorder clinics in the United States. There are also 90 million Americans who snore, and they (or the people who share a room with them) spend about $200 million a year on anti-snoring remedies.
Where Does It All Begin?
Two ships collided in the Black Sea in 1986, hurling hundreds of passengers into the icy waters and causing a tragic loss of life. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed that the accident was caused by human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence and both could have taken evasive action to avert the collision. But neither wanted to yield to the other. By the time they saw the error of their ways, it was too late.
