In a few months I’ll be 37. I think it’s fair to assert that I’m past the point at which I’d be considered a young man, and I’m closing in on middle age. The most interesting thing that has accompanied age for me is an increasing awareness of how little I actually know.
When I was younger I was more certain about my knowledge, even though I had less of it. But Socrates’ aphorism “Know Thyself” has become more intimate to me as I grow older.
There are still a few things that I remain certain of, and I figured that I should probably write them down now before I change my mind.
- There is nothing that will teach a person the depths of sorrow more than the loss of a loved one.
- If everyone helped someone they didn’t know, it would change the world.
- Even if there is no God, evil exists.
- Dogs understand unconditional love.
- The shame in being wrong comes only from a failure to admit it.
- The battle against tyranny must be tirelessly fought.
- Money is not the root of all evil. But it is the goal of most of it.
- Laughter is a necessary component of happiness.
- There is no humanity without freedom.
I welcome other suggestions of things that I should feel certain of but may have forgotten.
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Well Said John. What do you mean by “Dogs understand unconditional love.”?
Forgive me if my question is silly.
Adi
Adi,
Certainly not a silly question. What I mean by that is, when I come home my dogs treat me as if they haven’t seen me in 1,000 years. They love me “unconditionally”. It is not dependent on what I have done for them lately, what kind of a mood I am in, etc.
I know that they will continue to love me this way until they take their last breath. And they exhibit loyalty equal to their love. As humans we could learn a lot from dogs about how to treat and care for one another.
John
My personal favorite is “Trust but verify” such as trust in God, but always lock your car ;)
Johny,
That is certainly a good one, but I don’t think I’d classify it as something to “believe” as much as just a good rule to follow… Would you agree?
John
You’re right, it’s not really a rule but you can take is as to always check after someone(whether you assigned them a work or whatever), even if you trust them. I’ve used this once in my defense, I was graded unfairly for a paper I wrote (because of a grudge the teacher had on me), I told the dean, she told me that the teacher I’m accusing is a respectful teacher and that she trusts the teacher, therefore she refused to check my paper, I asked her if she trusts in God(knowing she’s very religious ;) ) Then asked if she locks her house and car, fortunately she understood where I was going and got my paper regraded for which I ended up getting a letter grade higher :)
how about judge not lest ye be judged? or you catch more flies with honey? or that lessons taught through fear may get you immediate results though only breeding hate but when taught with love, can actually change the world
I wish I could understand your love for Dogs. I see a lot of friends and family who own pets, especially dogs seem to have a more complex understaning of animals and have developed a love and passion of dogs.
I don’t want to sound mean, but I just can’t find the love for dogs? It’s the only way I can put it really, and I hope you understand. I have never owned a pet in my life, and thus all Dogs do for me is leave litter for me to step in and wake me up.
My girlfriend really wants a Dog, and I’m sure getting one will enlighten me and I will find it inside me to love Dogs once and for all :)
Luke,
Generally speaking dogs and humans are both social animals, so right off the bat we are a good fit. Both of these creatures are willing to sacrifice for one another if they care about each other, and both can develop deep trust.
But just like humans, there has to be a fit. I’ve met dogs that I absolutely hate and with whom I could never live.
You should take your time choosing a dog because it is an awesome responsibility. Yes, you have to feed it, clean up after it, take it to the Vet and all the other things that come with caring for another family member. But in return you will find that you receive 10 times the love and devotion back that you put in.
I highly recommend adopting a grown up dog from the SPCA or some other pet rescue organization because they are already house broken, much calmer, and almost always appreciate you more. And if you want a dog that everyone will instantly fall in love with and that just absolutely loves attention go try to find a greyhound.
Having a dog you love will change your life almost to the extent of having children.
John
I have a spoiled mini dachshund you can house-sit for a week :)
She’s adorable, little brown wiener dog.