Monthly Archives: November 2008

This Greek word for human flourishing is becoming all the rage as Americans engage in the pursuit of happiness. Like everything in our country, it’s becoming big business. Invest in joy.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His love endures forever.

His initials remain a mystery until you google the meaning. But what G.K. Chesterton stands for is clear in this quote: “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

This view from my office window is one lovely sight I am thankful for every day.

When we are surrounded by the tumult of economic turmoil, or burdened by personal setbacks, what really counts is this: Count your blessings. Each of us, taking a breath and a moment of reflection, can know great peace calling to mind the goodness that has touched us. Then, in turn, we touch others.

“It’s not the power of the person in the partnership.

It’s the power of the partnership in the person.”

— Juan Arquero

Ben Franklin realized candles could last longer if Americans gave themselves an extra hour of daylight in the summer. So we spring ahead an hour, and fall back an hour, every year. But recent evidence shows this yo-yo of time changes ends up costing everyone more in energy for air conditioning.

Let’s turn back the clock before Ben’s eureka, and leave time well enough alone.

Culture. Community. Connections. Constants.

These 4 C’s affect every individual in ways we do not consciously realize, nor easily accept in America. Because we are founded on freedom, each of us tends to think of the self as a separate entity. But really, we’re all linked — even our personal health thrives on the 4 C’s, or suffers for lack of them.

Yes, leadership bears inevitable burdens. “The Penalty of Leadership” was an advertisement created by N.W. Ayer for Cadillac in the early 20th century.

Here are a few highlights from that masterwork:

“In every field of human endeavor, he that is first must perpetually live in the white light of publicity…

If his work be merely mediocre, he will be left severly alone — if he achieves a masterpiece, it will set a million tongues a-wagging…

Whatsoever you write, or paint, or play, or sing, or build, no one will strive to surpass, or to slander you, unless your work be stamped with the seal of genius…

The leader is assailed because he is a leader, and the effort to equal him is merely added proof of that leadership…

That which is great makes itself known, no matter how loud the clamor of denial.”