From “Me Too, 365,” by Arnold Kunst
1 May
“Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.” - Lady Bird Johnson
Monday, May 3, 2021
“… and into the forest I go,to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir
From “The Human Condition: A User’s Manual,” by Arnold Kunst
3 May
Learn to let nature get in the way. Let’s suppose you’re wrapped up in some variant of that oh, so delicious sense of “Poor Little Ole’ Me!” wounded pride/self-pity. Then you step outside and find yourself in the presence of a breathtaking sunrise, or a sunset – get the message. Nature, or God, or the Universe is trying to get something through to you. It’s subtle, and it requires a certain degree of tranquility, and it goes something like this: “put the thing [whatever it is that you’re wrapped up in] in some perspective by focusing on this!” My guess is, whatever it is that Nature is calling you to revel in is probably more valid than that Poor-Little-Old-Me thing. When you think of it, self-pity is everyone’s natural prerogative. Or, to put it crudely, it’s as common as dirt.But that sunrise/sunset can be, if you and I but permit it, uplifting, transformative. So is the crystalline ring of your child’s laughter, or the subtle aromas of flowers, or the plumage of the simplest of birds, or the taste of pure water on a really hot day, or the feel of your kitten’s fur, or fresh air pumping into your lungs as you go jogging in a torrential downpour. Will this trick work every time? Of course not – some problems are REAL problems. But if this is a vehicle for self-pity you need to know the following: succumbing to the seductive power of self-pity will of necessity set you on the lookout for the next pebble on the road of life to trip over. And since self-pity, especially validated self-pity, is so powerfully seductive, when you do succumb to it, unfortunately you reallyARE as common as dirt.
“If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God keep me there.” – Joan of Arc
From “The Human Condition: A User’s Manual,” by Arnold Kunst
2 May
“Leaders are people who clearly delineate what they want and then go ahead with persistence, dedication, imagination and maybe even a sense of fun to do whatever it takes to get there. And when the price is paid, life yields its abundant rewards. That’s the kind of leader you and I are meant to be.” – Arnold Kunst
“Eagles don’t take flight lessons from chickens.” - Anonymous
From “The Human Condition: A User’s Manual,” by Arnold Kunst
1 May
Tremendous achievement only happens insofar as I’ve grown comfortable with my own company, particularly when gripped by my distinctive, home-made nameless 3 AM fears. I’m meant to emulate eagles comfortable with their own company as they ride thermals at 1,800 feet.
“The truth will set you free.” - Jesus Christ
From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst
May 3
“If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending we could then better judge what to do and how to do it.” - Abraham Lincoln
“I would give up all my technology for an afternoon with Socrates.” - Steve Jobs
From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst
May 2
“I entered the room with a moderate estimate of my own consequence and yet there I was to talk with - and even to advise - the head man of a great nation. I was never more quickly or more completely put at ease in the presence of a great man than in that of Abraham Lincoln.” - Frederick Douglass, ex slave
!“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude - a quiet joy.” - Ralph H. Blum
From“Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst May1
CharlesDana, Assistant Secretary of War, once told the president that his young daughter wanted to be introduced to the President. Lincoln walked over, took up the girl, kissed her and talked to her. The scene seemed remarkable to Dana because important men of high office usually lack natural and easy grace in handling a child. With Lincoln Dana noticed the child felt easy. Without knowing it Lincoln had passed an acid test.
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